Petition for Texas to secede from US reaches threshold for White House response

An online petition that calls for the State of Texas to withdraw from the U.S. and create its own government on Monday reached the required signature threshold to receive an official response from The White House.

The petition on WhiteHouse.gov asks the Obama administration to "peacefully grant the State of Texas to withdraw from the United States of America and create its own new government." The petition had surpassed 34,000 signatures as of Monday evening. It was created by a person self-identified only as "Micah H." from Arlington, Texas.


The petition cites the nation's economic woes as an issue and says that the condition of Texas' budget and economy make it "practically feasible for Texas to withdraw from the union."

Online petitions on WhiteHouse.gov that get sufficient support are reviewed by White House staff and "sent to the appropriate policy experts." To be searchable on WhiteHouse.gov in the first place, petitions currently need to get 150 signatures within 30 days. To get an official response, petitions need 25,000 signatures within 30 days.

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Similar petitions from other states have also been filed including: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennessee. However, unlike the petition from Texas, none of these states had reached the 25,000-signature threshold to get an official White House response as of Monday evening.

According to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, a 1866 proclamation signed by then-President Andrew Johnson clearly spelled out that no state had the right to leave the union:

"...It is the manifest determination of the American people that no State, of its own will, has a right or power to go out of or separate itself from, or be separated from the American Union; and that, therefore, each State ought to remain and constitute an integral part of the United States..."

The flurry of petitions are likely just the consequence of voters unhappy with last week's presidential election results. University of Texas at Austin Assistant Professor Jason Casellas told NBC News that's likely the case in Texas, where 57 percent of the state population's vote went for Republican Mitt Romney.

Catherine Frazier, press secretary for Texas Gov. Rick Perry, told NBC News Monday that the governor "believes in the greatness of our Union and nothing should be done to change it."

"But he also shares the frustrations many Americans have with our federal government," Frazier said in a statement. "Now more than ever our country needs strong leadership from states like Texas, that are making tough decisions to live within their means, keep taxes low and provide opportunities to job creators so their citizens can provide for their families and prosper."

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lol, liberals think they would be happy for Texas to secede, I have news for them, nobody would be more happy then the true Americans to enjoy the freedom from an tyrannical Obama racist government.

  • 2 votes
Reply#549 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:54 PM EST

does you and your horse mean anything to you?

    #549.1 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:57 PM EST

    true Americans...

    Awwww, poor mallett, stuck in the USA with all the non-true Americans. If only you could form a country where freedom of speech was illegal. The Constitution shouldn't have to apply to true Americans, that would be un-American, wouldn't it? Poor, poor mallett.

    Eat your heart out, boy!

      #549.2 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:58 PM EST

      Ah, the tyranny of a democratic government in a federal republic. The horrors!

      Which part of electoral and popular wins in an election are you having the most difficulty with? Other than the winner, that is.

        #549.3 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:00 PM EST
        Reply

        Sounds to me it is starting to look like rats leave a sinking ship.

        • 1 vote
        Reply#550 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:54 PM EST

        You admit Obama turned America into a sinking ship, thanks for the confirmation.

        • 1 vote
        #550.1 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:57 PM EST

        Totally obvious, ever a blind person could see it.

          #550.2 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:00 PM EST
          Reply

          I don't really understand why some are having such a hard time with this statement of rejection of the Progressive Socialist (Communist Kiss Ass Administration Obama Represents). When one looks at the popular vote in most states the vote is almost 50/50. This election shows just how Fu@k up the electoral vote has become. If it were anywhere close, the electoral vote and the popular vote would have reflected the split also. It did not. Leaves me wondering just how one side gets the proxy vote to get it all. Bull Sh#t in the first degree. We need a better way of holding elections that does not require electronics that can be programmed for garbage in, garbage out results. No one trusts the government anymore and the dumb sh#ts are still saying trust me, trust me. Ass hole politicians. Obama and the rest clones must be Putins little brother and sisters. I know the chances of getting the support needed to succeed is next to null but don't have a problem understanding their reasoning for making this statement. I as an individual have made the comment many times that the Obama administration does not represent me nor does it have my consent to speak or legislate for me. Now if 50% of the population in this country feels as I do. It's not much of a government anymore and the statement being made has substantial substance. Not mad about it. Just the way I feel about the subject. If this happens again next election, give you two to one that the whole situation gets flushed.

          • 2 votes
          Reply#551 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:54 PM EST

          I say see ya! Texas is not the armpit but the butt-crack of America. If you want your own country, you purchase the land from the government or find your own little island and move on. Don't expect anything once you are gone, no social services, no unemployment, no medicare or in your case (medicaid), food stamps, public school and health care system - you are on your own. Oh and by the way, once you leave - you can't come back so I hope that you like your new home.

          PS., can you take Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana and others with you. America does not need them either. Secede and hurry up why don't you.

          We won't miss you, take that worthless Cowboy team with you.

          Let the door hit you where the good Lord split you!! See you bye.

            Reply#552 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:54 PM EST

            Awww you must be a fecals fan. Sucks to be an east coast fan doesnt it. All your teams either cheat or suck.

            • 1 vote
            #552.1 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:27 PM EST
            Reply

            I thought this secession from the union question had been settled about 145 years ago. The Republican party led the charge then to settle the issue once and for all. Maybe the current Republican leadership should step up to the plate and take a stand against this current cry baby idea. Before all you Republican sore losers jump to the defense of the idiots pushing this secession idea, I am a Republican but first I am an American and a Viet Nam vet.

            • 1 vote
            Reply#553 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:55 PM EST

            Rush and Fox have divided this country by scaring the ignorant with a lying spin and all for selfish greed.

            How much more moneey do the 23 billionaire families need to get into heaven? none!

            • 1 vote
            Reply#554 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:55 PM EST

            lol, Obama is the one who played the racist care over and over and is still doing so, not to mention the classis class warfare. You have been roped a dope with a hope and change commie in chief.

            • 1 vote
            #554.1 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:58 PM EST

            The race"care". I see that you don't "care" about expressing your thoughts clearly.

              #554.2 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:01 PM EST
              Reply

              Oh my goodness, what a bunch of cry babies. Just because Obama got re-elected? They are being ridiculous. Obama is certainly not the worst President in history there have been worse. Dare I say the one who got us into this economic crisis in the first place?

              • 1 vote
              Reply#555 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:55 PM EST

              You wouldn't mean ol' Bushie boy would ya!

                #555.1 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:05 PM EST
                Reply

                Very few tears would be shed if this foolishness could be a reality. Of course The Governor of Texas would immediately have his travel privileges to the US revoked as would any former President ohh and border agents since they are Federal come home to the US as well as all that money Texas sucks out of us. See yall, just kidding I don't want to see yall ever again!

                  Reply#556 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:55 PM EST

                  The racist cannot stand that a man of color is our president.

                  • 2 votes
                  Reply#557 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:55 PM EST

                  Let's think about that for a moment. Is the only reason people do not like (and have the right to express) their disapproval of the president is because they are racist? You are very ignorant. I personally do not like the president (but respect the people that do) and for a reason that has nothing to do with the color of his skin.

                  • 3 votes
                  #557.1 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:58 PM EST

                  Still playing the old worn out racist card eh.

                  • 3 votes
                  #557.2 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:00 PM EST

                  This is a foolish and naive. Why does it always turn around to racism?

                  This has nothing to do with racism, it does have everything to do with Obama's recreation of America. Try recreating something without destroying it first? He doesn't want America to be America anymore - don't you get that? He's said it over and over and over again, but people are not hearing him - the man tells you what he's going to do and you're not listening.

                  Grow up.

                  • 3 votes
                  #557.3 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:01 PM EST

                  Bryandb - It is not Obama's 'color' that that opposers object to, it is his ideology. That is not racism, it is a normal American right.

                  • 3 votes
                  #557.4 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:02 PM EST

                  What is the reason they want secede beside racism? No blue states threatened to secede when ol' Bushie boy stole the election back in 2000!

                    #557.5 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:22 PM EST
                    Reply

                    Gov Perry as Pres and Ron Paul as VP of the second Republic of Texas. Don't ask to come here you DA yankees.

                    • 2 votes
                    Reply#558 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:56 PM EST

                    So, free elections aren't good enough for Texas? Good! Leave!

                      Reply#559 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:56 PM EST

                      Can Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport secede? The airport is a country within itself.

                      • 1 vote
                      Reply#560 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:56 PM EST

                      Secede good, if Texas has the votes they should become the Great country of Texas, Go fo it! Maybe a few others will follow.

                      NOTE: As the USA becomes a socialist country on the brink of Dictatorship, I feel states should have the right to head out!

                      • 2 votes
                      Reply#561 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:56 PM EST

                      So Tex-ass will forfeit all claims on social security and medicare in order to form their more perfect union?

                        #561.1 - Tue Nov 13, 2012 8:22 AM EST
                        Reply

                        I'd be willing to bet that you could get even more than 20 or 22 states or whatever it is to sign petitions that anyone requesting secession be hanged. I don't care how many states can prove they have knuckle-draggers that wanna throw tantrums and whine about not getting their way.

                          Reply#562 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:56 PM EST

                          I suspect the majority of the people in Texas are not nut jobs like we so often see. I say let Texas sell a small (at least for Texas) piece of desert to the US Gov, and have the Gov give it free of charge to the nut jobs in Texas (and to those from other states who want to join them), and let them form their own country right along the Rio Grande. They would be a good buffer right between the US and Mexico. What ever they could win from Mexico, they could keep that also. Get all (or most) of the north american nut jobs into one part of the continent at least. Oh one small requirement - once you go, neither you, nor your family, nor
                          your familys offspring -- could ever legally return.

                            Reply#563 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:56 PM EST

                            My first response to Texas would be, sure, go out on your own. You get no more money from the federal government, if attacked by a foreign country, your on your own, any natural disater and your on your own. But on second thought, I know Texas, along with the rest of the states listed are just upset because they did not get their way in the election. If you dug deep enough I'm sure that you would probably find the tea party behind the idea to leave. My suggestion to Texas is to find someone who is more of a moderate and will appeal to the majority of the nation. Your man Bush did so much damage to the country, even though most republicans would not agree with that, but then the truth some times hurts. If the republican house does not start working for the people, I'm thinking that 2016 you just might find the democrats totally in command, and you'll like that even less. If this country survived eight years of Bush, it can damn well survive eight years of Obama.

                              Reply#564 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:56 PM EST

                              Hey Tex-ass! Remember we fought a war over that awhile back and you got you're Tex-ass kicked.

                                Reply#565 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:57 PM EST

                                Lets look at some facts everyone seems to be ignoring:

                                What is the top State is oil production.... Texas. Look it up if you don't believe me.

                                Texas is also the second most populous and the second most extensive of the 50 states in the United States of America.

                                As of 2010, Texas had a gross state product (GSP) of $1.207 trillion, the second highest in the U.S. Its GSP is comparable to the GDP of India or Canada, which are the world's 12th- and 11th-largest economies, respectively. Texas' economy is the fourth-largest of any country globally, behind England (as part of the UK), California, and Tokyo Prefecture.

                                If Texas were to succed, It would be the U.S. that would suffer, not Texas. This is not 1861, this is 2012.

                                • 3 votes
                                Reply#566 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:57 PM EST

                                Please, the word is secede.

                                  #566.1 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:58 PM EST

                                  succed in seceding....

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #566.2 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:59 PM EST

                                  Please, the word is succeed.

                                    #566.3 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:02 PM EST

                                    Succeed.

                                      #566.4 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:12 PM EST
                                      Reply

                                      Texas, the land of low income, high welfare, low education and high teen pregnancy. Classic example of a state the sucks off the blue states. Good riddance . You are all racist pigs anyway. Take the rest of the red states wtih you please. Texas is the exact reason my the GOP wants everyone dumb and uneducated

                                      • 1 vote
                                      Reply#567 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:57 PM EST

                                      Just lay on your back and keep squeezing out kids. Your checks get bigger then. When you actually want to think before you speak let me know because everything you said is a lie. Just like you thinking youre intelligent.

                                      • 1 vote
                                      #567.1 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:31 PM EST

                                      How does Texas suck off of the Blue States? What amazing industries and economies do you have there? Aren't your economies in trouble?

                                      • 1 vote
                                      #567.2 - Tue Nov 13, 2012 1:18 AM EST
                                      Reply

                                      Good riddance! Please take the rest of the south with you too. Except for Austin...Texas is a $#@^ joke. The @#$hole of the earth. How do I know? I grew up in Klan country there in the 60's. When the next major hurricane hits and it will, don't come crying and whining or expecting the rest of the country to help you. This is America...love it or leave it.

                                      • 1 vote
                                      Reply#568 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:57 PM EST

                                      Come on people! This is all lunatic fringe stuff... even for Texas. Stop wasting your breath.

                                      • 1 vote
                                      Reply#569 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:57 PM EST

                                      hurrah!! somebody finally got some balls to something right.

                                      • 1 vote
                                      Reply#570 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:57 PM EST

                                      Two reasons why we need to keep Texas. (1) It contributes more in taxes than it gets in federal spending by about $230 billion. Only California and New York contribute more to federal revenue. (2) Given the way the demographics are going, it will be a Blue State by 2020. Loiusiana, Alabama and Mississippi on the other hand, we should help pack.

                                        Reply#571 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:58 PM EST

                                        hey juggernaut, you fight in the civil war too? You stupid redneck, you'll get your ass kicked now like you low lifes did then. We don't need you and don't come crying back cause your tired of eating road kill.

                                        • 1 vote
                                        Reply#572 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:58 PM EST

                                        I am from Texas , and stop believing all the mainstreme media propaganda , We have recieved very very little help from the government , esp last year during the wildfires ..Texans helped Texans pure and simple FEMA was denied by Obama for the most part to those who lost all . Instead of being devote party followers ya'll really need to learn to read your news from more reliable sources with open eyes folks !! Concerning the Mexico Boarders, Our Boarder Patrol has been and continues to handle things on our own for the most part down here . Most Texans are tired of paying Fed income tax and then when Our state could use the Fed Help like FEMA, We get denied and told it was a federal budget issue ...all while we watched the announcment from the white holuse that Africa recieved billions of dollars ! We are not the only State to apply for succession !

                                        • 2 votes
                                        Reply#573 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:58 PM EST

                                        Thanks for your post.

                                        • 1 vote
                                        #573.1 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:02 PM EST

                                        And the education in Texas is superb as well. Boarder. Yep.

                                          #573.2 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:03 PM EST

                                          So leave........many of us will be glad to be rid of the Texas stupidity we've dealt with for the past 20 years. And take your Presidents and presidential candidates with you!

                                            #573.3 - Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:13 PM EST
                                            Reply
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