CNN

IT is not treason if you look back at the history books and read the conditions if the texas joining the united states one was that they would be allowed to lawfully succeed.

The last time these right-wing crazies talked like this, we ended up with 300 people killed in Oklahoma City.

NEVER FORGET!

to leave the united states would show that texas does not need to be treated this way. texas has the right to leave the union when ever they want to they have all the resorces the need an even a military place and even a way to trade with other counties they even also have the right of freedom of speech as we all do in other words why are you afraid of change and why do you critisize the govenor of texas for protecting his people from these hard times

Looks like he need to go tea bag Bush for what he did the last eight years. Oh and his Republican buddies too!

This is not anti-american.. in fact it is the most American thing in the word!
Our country was built as a loose federation of individual states, specifically to avoid being supressed by a large goverment and built into our rights is the right to disagree with and evem rebel against the federal government.

Rick Perry and his loyal followers should secede from the planet.

Many people have already pointed out how often most Republicans (and some Dems) make stupid statements and then use the old 'misinterpreted' excuse and apologize w/o apologiizing, so there's no reason to beat that horse more.
I would say that Fox News idiots are not in the above category. None of them ever apologize for any of their lies and misinforming B. S.
But for Sherry in S.C and all such nonsense about the Obama administration wanting to rule the country and tell all of us what we have to do, have any of you read the memos from the Bush-Chaney years that were released yesterday? Or can you even read? That's a legitimate question, especially if you're from SC.

The Obama administration and all the Liberals in control of Congress need to really wake up and really begin listening to the American people. This is not just a Republican/Conservative outcry -these are strictly hardworking patriotic amercians who are fed up with big goverment, too much spending and the increasing movement to go away from a free capitalistic society and into Socialism and to change the vision of our founding fathers and what our constitution stands for. The mainstream Media impartial left wing sympathizers also need to stop manipulating everything and making this into a Right wing conspiracy. These protests will not go away until the government begins to listen to the voice of the people.

@ Rob Turak – when reminds the listeners that under the original treaty and agreement Texas has the right to withdraw from the union of the United States of America if they are please with federal governance. Almost everyone that has seen this is in agreement that he not only implies secession but advocates it in addtion to follow comments he has made in other statements.

Perry has a lot of nerve to talk about unconstitutional FEDERAL taxes when we are practically being taxed out of our homes with property taxes to fund our schools. This 'robin hood' tax system here has us paying twice what our property taxes in California were and our property there was valued 3 times higher than our property here. Sure you can claim that California has a state income tax that levels the amount but, if you got laid off or can't work because of a disability or retire, you are no longer paying a state income tax. In Texas, if you are not working for those reasons, you do not get the equivalent tax relief. If Perry were truly out to do what is right instead of trying to garner votes, he would straighten out the situation in his home state.

Where the good Lord split ya. If you want to secede, BYE!

Michelle Bachman, is Perry on your list of politicians who are anti-Americans? He doesn't want to be part of this country. Is Dude Palin on the list for thinking Alaska is better as its own country?

Half of the federal budget is poured into military spending. Lockheed Martin and others are in Texas. Your state is mostly employed because of the federal government, Perry.

The Dixie Chicks (entertainers) say the are embarrassed by W and they get death threats and are called traitors, but Perry whips a mob into a frenzy saying he wants to kiss the great USA goodbye and this government official suffers no harsh ridicule from the right? Texas, please put some grown-ups in charge.

Real smart governor you got there, Texas.

Gov. Perry is a traitor to this nation. Afraid to join with the country to work to fix our problems and instead run from them by calling to secede.

Does he forget it was great Americans from OTHER states in our union who tried to defend the Alamo and win his own states freedom?

What a hypocrite!

If the Governor wants to secede, let them join with Mexico. Good Americans for Obama don't need a person like that in the United States. I can't believe that people in America are not trying to help our President get something done. They money they spent on tea bags would have fed a lot of hungry people.

I've seen the worst minds of my generation become the only voices at the microphone. This sad fact is because their small mindedness stirs the pot, and conflict makes money for news organizations.

Wouldn't it be funny if the people at the secession/teabag rally also did the retarded republican "USA, USA, USA" chant at some point after cheering the secession remarks?

For the rest of the country, please believe that most Texans are not like W. or Rick Perry– or at least I'm not.

Any way you twist it, sedition is sedition. The federal government needs to take this sort of threat seriously. Even if Perry didn't mean it, he said those words at an anti-federal government rally. He was crowd-baiting.

2 Points: First, Texas was forced to join the US after an un-constitutional move by Congress. The Constitution makes provision for how states are to be incorporated.

Second. the Constitution actually does make a provision for states to legally dissolve it ties with the union.

Read the Constitution. It's not sedition, treason, or rebellious. We have rights. It's not anti-American to be pro-state, we have the freedom in our associations. It's not declaring war. Stop taking it personally.

States should be free to do what the Constitution allows, especially if they feel it infringes on state true rights and if the required majority of its citizens desire to separate from the union.

Don't let the door hit you in the ...

I'm a life long Texan and I for one can't stand Gov 39% Perry! He has tried pushing his stupid toll roads down thousands of Texan throats! Pay no attention to his ravings about seceding. It's just political positioning to try and save his butt and make it through the Primary. TOO LATE!! Everyone I know is voting for Senator Hutchison. Perry's reign of terror is about done.

Texas cant legally secede from the union, what it can DO, is divide itself up into more states, for what ever little that would accomplish ! None of this IS going to happen, and Perry WONT be back in politics in this state..too many of us true americans 1st, Texans 2nd here that will see to that ! He meant exactly what he said, and thats his downfall...he should go to alaska now, see if they want him, we DONT..
american 1st, texan 2nd..

Let's make TX the Tax-Free Guinea Pig...no more federal funds including any from FEMA for fires or hurricanes. Also, eliminate any state or sales taxes. Go completely tax-free.

Then show us the results.

Political backtracking has become a form of art.

Where in the above video does Perry speak of secession?

"The guy has it right,its time for all states to tell the federal government to stick it!!!!"

YEAH. What the world needs is 50 more 3rd World Nations!!

Together we Stand!! Divided we Fall!

This IS ANTI AMERICAN, no matter how you try to back peddle governor! Its treason, and its unreal to me that you are the gov. Looks like you and palin (and her anti American husband) are going to be looking for new jobs in a couple years! I am ashamed of you and i am not in Texas!!!

Huh. Who knew that some conservatives were actually taking that whole "America – love it or leave it" thing seriously.

Like a bunch of salivating dogs barking at the moon......evidently the little Texas Tea party got everyone so whipped up in a frenzy they all started saying whatever would rile up the crowd into an anti-D.C. frenzy......take your teabags and go home complainers! These people want the government to serve THEM while giving nothing back.

Rick Perry is a paper tiger: All fluff, panders to his base to show how macho he is, but doesn't have the huevos to stand behind his words.

We all know what he meant. He can back-pedal until the longhorns come home, he was still calling for secession. That is treason!

I'm sorry but he (Gov. Perry), any resident of Texas who shares his sediment, and FNC for the avocation of these "tea parties", should be tried for seditious acts against this government. When you have voices like FNC publicly advocating against the current state of government and inciting such protests around the country, you send the absolutely wrong message to the American people, people who quite frankly mistakenly take political ideals and turn them into beliefs. And when you have political beliefs, you have the Middle East.

Here we go again Mr. Perry. Trying your best to be in postion to be the Governor of Texas once again by making everyone think you are so loyal to Texas. You have totally stayed out of the lime light on imigration because of the Mexican-American vote and claimed it was the Government's problem. You Sir, are pathetic...

Please go away, you are useless to Texas and our Country. Hopefully everyone will see through you.

It is obvious that Perry was just trying to "appeal" to the radicalness of the right-wing crowd. He got the cheers he wanted by saying negative comments about America and the Obama administration. Typical of today's GOP attitude.

It's time for the great state of Texas to get out of the Republican cloud we have been under and subjected to for years. It's time for a Democratic governer. I would love to see Perry, the Bushes, and all of the GOP gang move out. Maybe they can live with Palin in Alaska!

Republicans are getting nuttier all the time.

State Rep. Jim Dunnam of Waco has it exactly right.

There isn't anything more un-American than encouraging secession. Think of all the people who died during the Civil War - the landscape literally littered with bodies - to settle this issue.

And now, this guy Perry - a member of the Party of Lincoln - has the gall to talk about Texas seceding from the union. Of course the same can be said of First Dude Palin and his wife's pandering to the Alaska Independence Party. There's nothing less American than wanting to tear it apart!

Governor Perry followed up his attack on education by hinting, with a frantic 'undo' spin later, that Texas just might fly the coop and secede from the union. This isn't just playing to the crowd. This was a trial balloon. If you don't understand that, then you don't understand why he spoke the way he did (and has in the past few months). There is a movement afoot that is seditious, and he is an integral part of it. These folks would love to have a new "Republic of Texas", where they could turn back the clock to about the eighth century A.D. This is not the last time you will be encountering this idiocy, unfortunately.

I see the governor got caught up in the moment with his ultra right wing friends. Once the other people of Texas heard or read about his comments they reacted and called him on those remarks. He came immediately to the realization that most of the people who vote in Texas are not right wingers and during the election, he only won appx 30-35% of the vote.

EAT CROW MR GOVERNOR EAT CROW.

Seriously, anyone of you people who think this is treason needs to understand the word. I'm not for the right and I'm not for the left. He's merely stating that state's rights are being squandered. All you people that have nothing but a vision of one sided views need to understand that the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA was founded on all sides. To seriously say the right is bad and that the left is bad is beyond a terrible decision on all your parts.

what a bunch of republican whiners. they ruined the country and lost the elections big time. now they want to make up a childish public relations fantasy that only an idiot would swallow about them being "patriots" and take their ball and go home. problem is it's our ball they are trying to take away...not theirs alone...but then they don't care about that or you and me...the regular hard working folks who are the true patriots...never have...never will. i say go ahead rich boys and your dumb ignorant followers...just try and mess with us. we will squash you like the bugs that you are.

I say let them go. But first, go in and tear up all of the highways, remove all military bases, close all of the federal ports and pul out all of the equipment, allow any Texan who wants to be an American to leave, and seal the state off from the rest of the US. Lets see how they do then...

Oh, I almost forgot, lets deport Hannity, Limbaugh, and the rest of the "teabaggers" and send them to "Texas". Also on the way out let's send them all a bill for the federal funds that they have received over the years.

Good luck Perry!!! We will not miss you!

In Iraq Perry will be Hanged foe what he said, as Saddam Hussien hanged the Kurds who wanted to divide his country. Since a Texan started the Iraq war, Prerry should be sent there as an Ambassador to get his case sorted out directly under the Law of the streets in Iraq. Its a very demeaning statement we got from him. He is a Big Traitor like many other American Republicans. The Likes of Newt Gringrich.

the govt did listen to the american people it was called an election. and the people spoke that they wanted change. the people who came to these tea parties were the ones who wanted things to stay the same.

This guy is just another BIG MOUTH TEXAS POLITICIAN with delusions of grandure . Texas could no more withdraw from the Union then California, Virginia etc al could... I mean, think of what they would loose IF they tried to pull away... Military bases and ALL the materials they hold would would be the very first to go away. Very many jobs that are connected to defense contractors would leave (OMG) that would devastate Halliburton) Then next would be ANYTHING our U.S. Government money supports would have to be taken out... NO monies for freeways, schools (and so on) . On second thought, LET THEM GO... All the money we send to Texas could go to some state that is proud to be a member of the U.S.A. . At least we wouldn't have to worry about another George W. Bush family member trying to be the President again... Maybe we could even cut off the retirement of W...

I keep reading on these posts that "The American people are sick of the Federal Government poking its nose into our lives."

Well then what am I? I am an American citizen, and I don't feel that way at all. I have a degree, a job, a family, and I pay taxes. And I don't feel that way about the Federal Government.

I do want some government services – State and Federal. I want the streets swept, the roads repaired, schools for the kids, libraries. I want volcanic monitoring. I want fruit-fly research AND stem cell research.

Here I am! A well-mannered , educated, productive member of society, and I count, too!

So as far as the "silent, god-fearing conservative majority" goes, I honestly think you need to re-examine that. There are a whole bunch of "me", too, and we voted for Obama.

Snore! Texas 'threatens' to leave the union every other year, only to be reminded after every hurricane hit that they can't pay for their own disaster relief. They need us more than we need them!

Terrible... and the best part is the GOP made the mess. Obama has been in office for less than 100 days and all your hearing from the republicans is Obama represents excessive spending. He's gotten us into this. Its absurd. I've even heard calls for impeachment. Its ridiculous. Its right-wing nut-jobs like this guy that got us here and Fmr. President Bush. Give President Obama a chance before you secede from the union. You might end up liking where we are going. The economy is on the rebound and were coming back, with Texas or without you.

It's going to be a very VERY hard year for the GOP in 2010. The message sent on November 4, 2008 was extremely clear and it was only natural that the entire GOP would initially show resistance to accepting it, internalizing it and adapting. But the articles on today's Ticker highlight what will be happening over teh course of the next year and a half:

Those like Perry, Sanford and the Limbaugh/Coulter/Hannity/Beck/O'Reilly masses, whose response to the message of November 4, 2008 was to believe harder, repeat louder and angrier, turn inward and become more insular and extreme...they will fight tooth and nail for their social-conservative policies ardently (and mindlessly), resisting the call to evolve.

But, as much as I hate to give the man credit, we have signs that McCain, of all people, might have finally started to get it. Sure, it's purely strategy to say "support same-sex marriage because we need more voters," but eventually (despite individuals' differences within the party) that type of position would be internalized by the party overall. You see, it's adapt to survive or stick to your guns and die and some GOPers might be starting to recognize that they need to give up the fight on some of the one-issue-voter divisive issues they previously were able to use so effectively to carve up the voting market.

So there's really tow options...will the extreme right wing sunder the party or can they be cowed so that it survives? That is the question.

First of all it was not a threat. Any reporter or columnist who think so should work for the tabloids. Is this type of journalism is stupid garbage.

If someone had done this to Bush oh imagine the howls of treason and terrorist and Socialist. The US needs more Socialism then perhaps you may become as good as us Canadians.

If nothing else, Perry's remark are indicative of how lousy a job, and incompetent the obama administration is doing their job. When millions of hard working, loyal Americans say things like, "Revolution, Secession from the Union," and the country's becoming increasingly more polarized against Obama, you have to wonder how long it will be before he's impeached or asked to resign. He clearly is in way over his head, and again, it's evident through his staff picks. Napalitano's recent display of ineptness is a classic example. The sooner Obama's out of office and a real conservative is in place, the better off the country will be. We need a leader that will treasure and endear the values, morals and blood, sweat and tears this country was built on. We don't need a leader like Obama that cowers to foreign countries, covers up religious symbols to be PC, and generally shows arrogance and lack of concern for the real Americans who've earned their way in this nation.

As a liberal democrat Texan, I find the governor's remarks embarrassing, inflammatory, and a shame to the state. If Texas were to secede, it should first exercise the right to divide into 5 smaller states so that the areas with some sense (like where I'm from in the southern tip of the state, a solid blue area) could continue being America.

If this were a blue state, you know the right would be spewing vitriol about how un- american such a governor and such a state were. Thank you Rick Perry for reminding me why I am now an independent instead of a republican

I think we can afford to lose texas...

How in the world can this guy say Washington is "thumbing their nose at Americans". Give me a break. If there has ever been an Administration that has "thumbed their noses" at Americans, he needs to look no farther than good ol' G.W. and his cronies. At times I am truly amazed at the ignorance some people in this country have; difference of opinion – fine. But the country made a decsion last November that basically said we are tired of the Republicans and how they have run this country into the ground. Move over – it's the Democrats turn to try and fix the mess this country was left with in January.

Tell them to go for it and then require a passport for them to leave the state, they shouldn't need to go anywhere since they are so proud of the size of the state anyway. I used to live there I speak from experience

Oh no, please don't take it back Perry. Tell me you were serious. I believed in your message. It was the read meat I had always wanted to hear from die hard blowhead republicans like you.

As every Texan knows we have the right to secede from the Nation if we desire. No other State has that right. Oh, and by the way we are not New Orleans, we've had two major Hurricanes in the past 4 years and you didn't hear us crying for government bailout, we take care of our own, as all of you should.

I live in Houston Tx ,and I can tell you without any hesitation Govenor Perry has lost his mind. This whole tea party nonsense is all about the white people who didn't vote for Obama. Look out in the crowds and all you see is only white people, the ones who clearly can't get over a black man in office but the stupidity is the President is just as white as he is black. The biggest crowd for this tea party crap ended up with the most 5,000 people not like Fox News led people to believe there was 15,000, Govenor Perry is speaking to those people not to the majority in Texas. He want be re-elected and we will be proud of that.

Sure looks to me like some liberal bloggers have been paid to sound off and stack these comments with caustic responses! Where are the "every person and opinion is valid" cries now?

Kudos to a governor with some guts! The Federal Government is for mutual protection – not domination over states rights.

If you Texans ever secede, can we in Oklahoma become "North Texas?!?"

In a foolish attempt to get people rilled up he has distanced himself from the centrist (where the majority of us are). It's just another case of a politician who knows the votes and the money come from the far right and left. If you disagree with his ideas then say so but please stop calling people names and lumping an entire state full of people into the same boat as Perry (It makes you seem just as foolish).
As a side note for a few comments I have seen about the "Don't Mess With Texas" motto: It's an anti litter campaign, not a battle cry.

Educate yourself and vote – It's patriotic

It's amusing how the original tea party was held for taxation without representation and now its the representation holding the tea party.

He's not under fire from me. I'm for anything that gets the Federal Government off my back and out of my pocket

This comment by radical reactionary, i.e. Republican, Gov. Rick Perry, typifies the hatred that the reactionary forces have for our American way of life. I have posted on the CNN blog before pointing out the extremism and hatred of reactionaries such as Limbaugh, Cheney, Palin, etc. Witness also, as an other example, the comment posted regarding this article exclaiming that the Confederacy, a vile, treasonous, hate filled entity serving to benefit slave owners, was right on. Americans who love our freedom and our way of life must remain ever vigilant to counter and defeat the forces of hatred and neo-fascism prevalent in today's Repulican party.

You Texans voted for this anti-American?

Gov. Perry remembers the Boston Tea Party and it seems like he also is familiar with foot in mouth disease. His comments are so un American and so wrong to be coming from an individual who desires the top office in the same federal government he now wants to do away with.
Gov Palin and now Gov Perry, we the GOP are so lost right now.

Perry is a wimp. Stand by your comments if you rae not afraid of losing the next election.

If it were to happen, I would be with Perry ALL the way. He is just tired of all the mess that big govt has gotten us into. Texas has everything that it would EVER need to support itself & is the only state that could do so & don't worry about Texas not being able to protect itself. Texas has more than you could ever know as far as protection & I do know this for a FACT!!!! Sorry if this offends anyone, but I will NEVER make an apology for my feelings!!!

The man does not represent the views of Texans. He has done this to draw in the far right in order to battle Kay Bailey Hutchinson. In so doing, he has lost everyone else in the state that does not share his far right views. Utter nonsense.

Seems to be he should be tried for treason.....

"government that is rather unresponsive to the people"
If those "people" are the far right nut cases then finally that answer is YES. The ones that scream Red/White and Blue the loudest but their true color is YELLOW.

Un-American, Un-Patriotic and just plain Un-intelligent...that's Rick Perry and the Conservatives!

this guy is a complet idiot...no wonder we are in this mess.

Mr. Perry you sound like a clone of George Bush. Both of you are stupid and need to go away. Maybe Mexico would be nice. Go there.

Get over it…WE got a VP that cannot remember a 'web number', asks the wheelchair-bount to 'stand up', thinks showing up an hour late to work is 'okay' and thinks his boss's name is 'Barack America'.

If you are going to harp and criticize everything everyone says, this is going to be a long 4 years…Joe the VP, alone, will give you plenty of 'headlines' to work with.

NO, wait…maybe Perry needs to be 'watched closer by DHS'…a radical, rightwing extremist…deflect the engergy of Janet Napolitano!

Good Job, CNN…

Seceding from the union, how patriotic. Shows just how big a hypocrite Republicans can be. Maybe he should resign instead.

Actually I wouldn't mind if all these "tea party" idiots left the country. We'd be better off without them.

If Texas wants to leave the union, then that's fine.

Gosh – GW could be the Emperor of Texas. Oh Happy Day!

I just watched the video, and I think Governor Perry was using the U.S Constitution as his example. What is wrong with that? What is un-American with citing and using the U.S Constitution? So why is it, if a Governor is citing the U.S Constitution treasonous?

So, another politician says something stupid, and gets these kind of responses? For those idiots who blame all Texans for their economic woes, feel free to stay out the the State of Texas, we can do just fine without your brainless selves roaming our streets and throwing your ridiculous, meaningless hot aired propaganda in our faces. Texans are proud of their state, their home and their heritage. "Chistin," you don't want to pay for our "hurricane recovery?" Then don't – and we won't pay for whatever unfortunate natural disaster hits your area...whatever podunk town that may be. Don't want your borders protected? Fine! Don't protect them! Think Texans can't deal with the "terrorist" threats? What numb-skulls. The only "terrorists" who have invaded Texas to date have been northerners trying to instill their ideas in our tiny little brains. Texans are warm-hearted, generous people. Succeed from this economic, socialist mess the U.S. is rapidly becoming? Go for it Texas!

Maybe the democrats should spend more time reading the Constitution, especially the 10th Amendment and less time criticizing those who support the 10th Amendment.

The more power the federal gov gets over states, the fewer rights we have

It doesn't really matter whether Gov. Perry meant it or not. The states will not really have a choice but to fend for themselves after the US government collapses under the weight of massive debt. It was nice while it lasted, but the USA unfortunately is headed the way of the USSR. It doesn't help that every two bit dictator in the world is laughing while spitting in the face of our trainee president.

Perry does not speak for the majority of Texans. In fact, this almost guarantees he loses the upcoming election.

Perry, it is too late to backtrack. Your constituents heard what you said - the exact words. Isn't video and TV just a shame when it captures what you DON'T want it to? It's not likely you'll be in the Governor's mansion in Austin much longer, especially if those of us who have HAD to tolerate you for the last 8+ years can mobilize using this shameful incident as a rallying call.

Yes, Texas is a great place. I'm proud to be a Texan, but I am an American FIRST and foremost. You regressed a full 150+ years to be digging up the states rights issue, because that cost hundreds of thousands of lives during the Civil War. I'm shamed and embarassed by you, because I did not vote for you in ANY election, but now feel vindicated!

As Anti-American as everyone is trying to make it sound (and even further, calling it treason) maybe shows you that the ideals we once held as AMERICANS are changing.

I'm pretty sure socialism isn't American, so why not call the Democrat controlled government Anti-American and try them for treason as well.

We do remember that the nation was founded on a Constitution, governed by amendments right? Remember the 10th? This guarantees individual rights to states and if they are infringed up by the federal government (I do believe we were set up as a nation to LIMIT the power of a national government – to make them work FOR the people, by the people) then a state may take action to correct this...even if it happens to be as symbolic as secession.

It's funny how when Republicans try to use the Constitution and the laws set forth by our government that it's portrayed as undemocratic, treasonous and anti-American. I don't think secession is a good thing but this type of public discourse reflects that there is a growing disapproval of big government and big spending...cut both a bit and maybe we can once again find a stable balance for our government and those supporting it.

No, imagine, four, five, even six years ago, had a governor of any state made these same comments, he or she would have been literally run out of this country. They, at the least, probably would have been kicked out of office or recalled. It is insane that this kind of talk continues. I agree that everyone has the right to believe whatever they want to believe, but I believe it is downright stupid to suggest secession from the UNITED States of America because you don't approve of what the Federal Government is doing. Think about all the Democrat Governors during the Bush Administration. None of them spoke nonsense like this. This guy is crazy and those who listen to him need to go get their heads examined as well. This is why the GOP is suffering so much. Because they have no alternative plans and when they come up with a plan, it's otherwordly. Get a grip, GOP!!!

I think Perry is the only one who is not reading the Constitution right. Barack Obama is a Constitutional lawyer. If anyone is reading the Constitution correctly it is definitely Obama.

You Liberals dont want another Civil War. the south would devistate the North now. We reserve the right to secede. We did it before to show you yankees and we'll do it again if pressed.

At what point does free speech end and treason begin?

It's one thing for a group of protesters to call for secession. But a government official whose words carry political power in and of themselves is committing a political act by calling for secession.

That said, I think most of us from more sensible states would live much happier lives if some of these people who contribute nothing to society besides obesity, guns, and really, really bad presidents would get themselves out of this otherwise great country.

I am ashamed of PERRY ! this Texan loves Texas, just not our Gov ! He wont ever get back in as Gov or anything else in Texas..he just cut his own throat, ruined any chance he had !

Rick Perry loves America, he specifically said on that day that he didn't want something like that to happen. He was merely stating the thought that many Texans were thinking should Washington not get its act together.

Those saying that Perry is anti-amerian are nothing but sheep-herded idiots. You're making comments based incorrect statements simply because everyone else is. Get the full facts of what he said before you make a comment.

And yes, contrary to legal opinions, Texas does reserve the right to legally secede from the Union. Of course it would go to court if that happened and the Texas vs. White would not act as a precedent but the end result would be the Texas could if it wanted to.

Regardless, Texas wont ever secede so all the talk and hype is moot. Just let it go.

This is treason!!! Treason, treason, treason.

And speaking as a socially conservative from Nebraska, the fact that there are republicans who would say something so blatantly, completely UN-AMERICAN really does makes me scared about what has happened to my party.

And I think it highlights a difference between people from the South and people from the Midwest.
The way I was brought up, the phrase "love it or leave it" only has one remotely possible answer – LOVE IT. Apparently to these Southerners, who seem to have taken over the republican party, "leave it" is possible.

Face it, we lost this round. The majority of Americans support the policies of Obama.

True sports fans support their team no matter what. True patriots also support their country no matter what. These absolutely despicable Southerners are NOT true patriots. Southerners seem willing to dump on their country the second they don't get every single thing they want.

This is what Gov. Perry said ""There's a lot of different scenarios," Perry said Wednesday as crowd members shouted calls for secession. "We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that."

Where in that does it say that Texas should, would, could secede???? Hmmmmm..... let's not read into what he said LIBS. Trust me, the country would faulter if Texas left the Union. Texas wouldn't be better off if we did either, it would be a lose – lose situation. But don't get on these message boards thinking that your world would be better without Texas. Not quite. Don't hate us because we have a lot of state pride, something that a lot of you can't say about your place of residence. Why is it that people are retiring to Texas, is it because we have a bunch of whack's? No, it's because we offer a safe, conservative place to live that oh by the way doesn't rake you over the coals with a state tax.

Get over yourselves LIBS. Let's talk about Obama real quick. Why did he ask Georgetown to cover up all of the religious references IN THE SANCTUARY no less, so he could give a speech there. THAT'S FREAKING CRAZY!!!! Also, Obama is open to talking with Castro and Chavez???? What is this guy thinking? We are in trouble.

This is really sad. When there are these types of talk about secession and revolution, its usually called treason. I say let the 25% of the racists in America have Texas, but give us all of the federal stuff back to us.

That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to 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.

Yeah – bunch of traitors.

"Never been prouder of Texans"???? Where were all of these so-called fiscal conservatives during the previous Clown President's administration? This is soooo Texas! I was born in Tx and lived there until the age of 40. It wasn't until I had been gone for awhile that it became clear just how cuccooned from the real world that these folks are. If they are really thinking about seceding maybe they can take Oklahoma and Kansas with them.

Texas: Goodbye, good luck, and good riddance!

Just another big mouth trouble maker from Tex ass.
Kick him where he spends most of his time.

Don't mess with Texas! It's not right to make fun of retards.

THIS GUY MAKES GEORGE W BUSH LOOK LIKE A GENIUS.

I've been to Texas and frankly I wouldn't miss it if it left. The Rpeublicand get all up in arms(no pun intended) when you call them radicals and the Perry opens his mouth.
As far as I'm concerned, every backward thinkiong red state can leave. I won't miss them and I doubt the country will. Let;'s remember, because of them we got eight years of Bush/Cheney.

Travel Slogan:
Texas, not just like a whole 'nother country. It IS a whole 'nother country.

Why aren't the Republicans dixie-chicking this guy? I guess saying 'I'm ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas' warrants death threats, CD burning and children chanting 'they hate the Dixie Chicks' but this moron Governor is a hero to the Republicans for saying he would like to secede. Hypocrisy yet again! Hatred of our new President is o.k but God forbid, the President is Republican then you're deemed 'unpatriotic'. Now, we know that it is the Republicans who are truly unpatriotic!

Lighten up people!

Perry's comments tie into a long history in Texas. We are the only state with ten years of history as our own nation. We are an independent lot and part of our agreement with the United States upon coming into the union was that we would always have the right to leave without reprisal.

It's not a bad thing for those in Washington to keep in mind. We are a Republic of states and the founders wisely LIMITED the power of the federal government.

As for Washingon's money, I think most Texans would be happy to reject all of it in exchange for keeping all we send. I have no doubt that in 2009 -2010 we will give far more to the feds than we will receive back. Most of us in Texas will be so very happy to be spending our life savings and our children's futures on bailing out the foolishness of those who work on Wall Street, and own and sell homes and mortgages in California and Florida. Local control of banks and mortgages would have prevented this entire mess.

Here's my problem with the new GOP that scared me away from the Republican Party. They are only about raw emotions. Even if you look at the sorts of people that now comprise the new base of the Republican Party, it contains mostly bigots, and those who believe that patriotism is equivalent to being white. Until Republicans understand that Rhetoric of any sort is never harmless or neutral, they will continue to be scorned by those Republicans that reject those sorts of antiquated ideas. Unfortnately, that sort of removal from responsibility leads to riots, and senseless killings done by the vulnerable people who may be legitimate victims in our society.

For better or worse, we are the UNITED States. The answer isn't to make threats or pick up your ball and go home simply because you can't have everything your way. The answer is to find solutions through the democratic process in the way that the Founding Fathers intended.
Having said that, should Texas ever reach the point of following through on the threat of secession, the prudent thing for the remaining 49 states to do would be to preemptively sell Texas to Mexico. They'd like to have it back, we'd decrease our illegal immigrant population and, quite frankly, we could use the money. It's a win/win all the way around and Guam would love to become the 50th star on our flag.

Bernie Madoff should be tried for treason, same as the Enron criminals.

Perry should be dismissed as treasonous in thought, and anti American in act.

To have such disdain for your country, would hate to feel that way.

It is flattering to see so many posters who have critical thinking skills. Sure there are idiots who think that Gov. Perry was justified in making those idiotic comments. He is spewing hateful rhetoric hoping that some illiterate idiots go to the extreme. These Republicans need to stop! They are the ones who are dividing this nation. Unless, the negative rhetoric stop, our country is going to have a domestic war of good v evil thanks to people like gov. Perry, Limbaugh, Hannity, O'reilly, among others on Fox news.

No it was not misinterpreted....it was very clear what he was trying to say: If the minority of this country does not get its way, then we will leave the union ("Washington thumbing its nose...) Washington is not thumbing its nose with the majority of Americans actually support what the president is doing...not just 23%.

I must ask these folks who claim President Obama is stepping on their constitutional rights; were you howling this loud about the Constitution while Gorge W. used it as his personal toilet paper? Lets face it, that man hacked away at the document as much as he could.

Let Texas go, take every federal penny, federal job, and every federal program away. Oh- and they need to return every penny they received from "big" government in the past 9 years. Lets see how great they do.

As someone who lives in Texas............only a few may be upset and are only using it for political gain. The vast majority was pretty happy about his statement. As a registered Democrat I am finding it increasingly funny how the left swingers seem to think theirs is the only voice to be heard and the only ones with the right to opinion. And while I am on my soapbox............the only treason around is the homeland security department putting out that returning vets are terrorists.

Ha....he is a good person. But texas hasn't seen a tax it didn't like either....so the whole thing is kind of funny.

Typical Republican rhetoric - blame the listeners! He said what he said and it was very clear. The fault belongs with the speaker, not the listeners!

Commonsense,
you can consider the federalist papers as a source for states rights and an interpretation of the 10th Amendment, but that only tells the beginning of a story that ends with the Civil War. I'm not saying it's exactly analogous, but "states rights" was an argument for slavery if a state wanted it. Because we're not a Nation if a state has more power than the federal government, the 14th Amendment requires that the states fall in line and are more beholden to the federal government.

Just like Jefferson wanted. (You know him, the guy that wrote the Declaration of Independence.)

This is unbelievable. First of all I'm not buying the retraction or clarification. Second, where were these people during the Bush years? They want to secede because of a 3% hike in takes on the wealthy? Sounds rather opportunistic to me.

I say return Texas to the Mexicans if they want out so badly.

Well he got one thing right and that was "shrink government." So exactly how much is he shrinking the TX government? What departments is he downsizing? Let's see him put is money where his mouth is and not just the typical rhetoric. Apparently TX doesn't need and will reject any stimulus assistance. That would be an outstanding contribution to his fellow Americans who sorely need stimulus assistance. We shall see.

BS. this guy knew what he was saying and it was a mis-quote he said it. This is a total shame we had Nixon and GW.Bush and you didn't hear opposition leaders talk like the GOP no matter how much they disagreed.

So, one of the largest of the reporting medias misinterpreted exactly what he said and changed the content to represent something other than what was said and took it out of context and now they are running more stories of the same with another misleading headline, when clearly he said nothing of Texas succession from the union.
Clearly confusing.

I am an America First and Texan second – I believe that the USA is better off with Texas as part of the union just as Texas is sure better off being part of the USA. I have pride in my state – just as each of you have pride in your state. Unfortunately – I have no pride in Perry!

How many times can you think of in say the last 90 days where these Republican hate mongers have come out with these vile statements only to say a day later that they didn't mean what they actually said. We want President Obama to fail, we hope the AIG people commit suicide, we want Texas to succeed. Notice the pattern? Oh...I was misinterpreted is no excuse. Yell fire in a theatre then later say you were misinterpreted...

Man, I don't know what has happened to this country. People are so divided. No one wants to see the other point of view, everyone criticizes our new president, no one wants to give him a change to get things fixed. My parents were democrats but they sure didn't carry on like the left does now.

My in-laws were republicans and would be rolling over in their grave to see how the religious right zealots have changed their party of small government and fiscal responsibility into a party that wants to dictate and decide about abortions, gay marriage and the like.

How did we get here and why have we allowed the religious zealots to become such a force? Separation of church and state? Not so much anymore.

We don't need terrorists to break up this country, we're doing a fine job ourselves.

Wow. Its amazing to read the comments here and on Fox. I have trouble believing that these are actually people claiming to be Americans. Your (conservatives) sense of America is warped beyond belief. You stop at nothing to criticize and condemn anyone and everyone that disagrees with you. Many of you are extremely petty, immature, and vile – if not downright dangerous. I hope Texas does secede. Will make a nice big buffer between us and Mexico.

Geez, where were all the proud Texans standing up to Washington during the Bush years?
Three months of Obama and Washington is gone to pot? While the 8 previous years that set the stage for corruption and decay of our values and society were what?

How many more times are the Republicans going to "misspeak" before they get the message that people ARE listening to them and DON'T like what they are hearing? I would like just once for one of these guys to step up the mike and say, "Hey, I said it alright!". They always have an excuse though!

I hope Texas does exactly that – and I further hope that South Carolina is right behind them. And the sooner the better. We'd be out from under this administration that wants nothing more than to sink America and take complete and total control. This administration sounds more and more like Sadam Hussein everyday – it's their way or the highway. Obama, Holder, Pelosi, Reid, Dodd want nothing more than power, power, and more power. It's gotta stop somewhere and soon. Time for TRUE Americans to fight and take back America before it is too late.

No, please don't back track, I was just about to celebrate.

you're calling this man um-American? that's disgusting, he clearly cares deeply about this country and wants it to get back to its original ideals.

I always liked a two-party system, until now. The Republicans scare me. The tea bagging that is so racist (Hence, do they know what 'tea bagging' is? LOL).

This guy is unpatriotic and wants to be part of America when the government gets his state out of a disaster scenario or border patrol. Let's see how they hang by themselves. In other words, let this guy 'Hang High'.

Let Texas go, and that will be more money for the rest of us. Also, take Alaska out too!!!!!!!!!!!

He meant it. He is a traitor. It is Texas afterall. That is the kind of people that they are. Is he going to tell us that Texas does not have an extradition agreement with the United States?

Much ado about nothing here. When he looks at his state's budget he will realize that without Federal moneis Texas will die a quick and painful death. Then the 29 states will have to determine what to do with all the Texan immigrants and Texas will likely become part of Mexico.

Go! We in Colorado will nationalize any property belonging to any Texan. That should give us back half of our resorts and mountain vacation homes. Also all US companies should be given a choice: operate in the rest of the 49 or in Texas – not both. Then withdraw all the defense industries and close the military bases and shut down the northern border. Then just stand by and watch them disintegrate into internal shooting wars. It will be a warning to Alaska, Mississippi, etc. We'll get 'em back later with about half of the ego's.

Right Perry, you just go and stand up against DC, and when the next hurricane hits, you will be on your knees begging for Federal bucks, or doesn't that count?

I'm tired of folks who keep reminding us that Texas entered the union with the right to secede. That may have been true in 1845 but in 1861 they seceeded with the confederacy and came back to the union in defeat and surrender, no special deals then. I am a native Texas and want the world to know that GWB and Perry are not our best products.

He meant it. He is a traitor. It is Texas afterall. That is the kind of people that they are. Is he going to tell us that Texas does not have an extradition agreement with the United States,

Secessionists are traitors...

And for those of you who say he has backtracked, he has not. If you would read his orginial comments, they are the same as he is saying today. You people are morons.

When will these guys learn that words have an exact meaning.

I'm not a big fan of Gov Good Hair, but this is America and we still have the right to express our own opinions. This constant division of Americans is all by design it keeps us confused and off balance. That's why were in the mess we are in. The Pols. keep us divided and they get to spend spend spend with out any one to stop them. By the way both parties are exactly the same, like a two headed nickel.

Stick to you guns Gov. Perry. Just because these anti-Americans didn't understand what you said is no reason for you to apologize. I for one, along with millions of other Americans don't want to live under socialism and fascism. I don't want the government controlling my life and sticking their nose in my business.

If anyone should apologize it's Obama and his administration for slowly killing this great country and turning Americans against one another!!! I'm still waiting for Eric Holder to apologize regarding his nation of cowards remark. Why is these liberals can say whatever they want and get by with it. Yet, if we say something they don't want to hear they want us to apologize. Well, FORGET IT!
--------------------------------
"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."
-Thomas Jefferson--

The last Texas Gov. we listened to is the one who got us in this mess.

Rick Perry has lost my vote. Anybody for governor over him (except for Sarah). I live in Texas and called the idiot's office yesterday. Who exactly gave him the right to have Texas leave the USA? What a moron. I intend to donate to whoever runs against Perry in 2010. VOTE PERRY OUT!!!!!

Texas would be better off without the rest of the US. Texas is carrying California, New York, CT, MA, etc. The economy of Texas is being used to carry the new liberal welfare state.

good for him!

Let Texas secede and put an embargo on them like Cuba. Give the actual americans there a few days to evacuate and leave the rest to their own devices. They wouldn't make it a week before becoming a lawless mess of losers with Texas flags drinking their own urine to survive. Then when they come crying to join america again we refuse them full statehood and relegate them to the second class citizens they are.

He should be on trial for treason, bottom line. If a brown skinned leader of a state had said the same thing under the Bush regime, he would be in Gitmo right now.

I am a Texan and though I am not a big Rick Perry fan, I see nothing wrong with his statements. In his original statements he supported this country as is. He aslo said that if it continues in the direction it is going, it is possible for sessesion to happen. And I would not be against that. I was not a fan of the previous administration but even more less of a fan of the current one. They both have taken us down roads we do not need to be going down. Some are similiar paths and some have nothing in common, but will only weaken our economy even worse and shake us off the foundations that our nation has been on for so many years. We pretty much are owned by foreign business and gov't already. It won't be long before we are America no more.

I am telling you all this right now. This divisive talk (even if it was a mistake) is just what the terrorists want. If we are divided, then we are easier to fall. You all watch and learn, and as we are hunkered down is holes, you will be telling you children and grandchildren why they cannot go outside to play. This country is scary right now. The conservatives WANT this to happen to control you even more!! WATCH YOUR BACK!!!

I have lived in Texas all of my life, and I have embarassed by Rick Perry ever since Karl Rove (yes, that Karl) convinced the former Democratic party Perry to run for the Rethuglican party.
His lock step right wing GOP ideology is yet another dissappointment.

Imagine the Texas-USA partition: all extreme right-wingers and confederacy-types move here and the rest of us move out to the USA making sure the northern border is tightly sealed behind us!

"When Texas entered the union they maintained the right to succeed (in writing) they are the only state with that right."

No they didn't, they maintained the right to break up into 5 separate states.

Personally, I'd rather they secede.

Clearly there are millions of Americans (58 million or so voted against the current administration) who feel this country, and everything it was founded upon, is being turned upside down and taken away. There is a blatant effort to belittle the greatness of this country's history, and future for that matter (taking it to far left extremes). It's no wonder that some feel they would rather leave than fall victim to this ruin. But, in the end the spirit of Americans who made this country great will triumph and the bonds that hold us together will be made stronger.

I do believe for Texas to secede, the state would be divided into 5 seperate states and the federal land would still belong to the Feds...

There are as many sane, reasonable people in Texas as any other State. They need to show up at the polls in greater numbers and get rid of nuts like Gov. Perry. We'd have a much better government in every State and nationally if people would just do that.

Treason is also a betrayal of trust. It does not matter if the acts are performed knowingly and it does not matter the position the perpetrator holds, it is still treason. Bankrupting the country for the sake of temporary prosperity, placing the citizens in this country under debilitating debt in the name of short-term recovery and feeding the anger toward the prosperous while heralding the idea of understanding. These acts are a betrayal of trust. Do not blame this man for offering solutions to save his constituents regardless of how far-fetched they are. At least he is making an attempt.
And the argument: "Well Bush did it" is juvenile and does not justify Obama's actions. Just like the "Where were the protestors during Bush's term?" question – believe me, there were plenty of them.
Please, think of something new and don't repeat what everyone else posts.

Perry's comments are a deliberate act of treason, and he should be forced out of an office that is meant for true americans.

He doesn't speak for all of Texas, but if he doesn't like being part of America- then he should leave. Everyone has the option to leave if they don't like it here.

If by "thumbing your nose", Perry, you mean the less than 1% (depending on whose figures you use) of the American people who attended the Fox News nation-wide temper tantrum Wednesday, then I'd say you, not Washington, has the problem. Having such a low turnout put a dander in your pandering rhetoric, didn't it? America has seen the placards these protesters carried. Pander away.

Perry should secede his governorship. Remember the Alamo! Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie must be turning over in their graves!

Paul, 'Sedition' is how we got created our Republic in the first place. Defending the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic is the duty of every citizen, and make no mistake, our federal government over the past decades has become the enemy of the people, regardless of which of the corporate duopoly is in power at any particular time.

"Misinterpreted". Um, okay.

Not sure what was unAmerican about his speach? Is it not American for people to stand up for what they believe in? Is it not American to have freedom of speech? That is why our Soldiers are and have died so we have the right to say what we feel. That is American!

And how much federal money does Texas take every year ?

Careful, get the Republican base all worked up like this, then go back on them, and they're liable to get all riled up and direct their blind unreasoning anger at you.

Hmm, not too many months ago, DISSENT was patriotic...but I guess they only mean dissent when it suits their goals.

I wish one of the states would seced and I'd move there in a second...the primary reason could be 28% of my salary to the federal goverment, 6.75% to NYS, 8.25% sales tax, 59 cents a gallon for fed/state gas tax, 12k in property/school taxes, 5% home heating tax, and countless other taxes that would have our FOUNDING FATHERS ROLLING OVER IN THEIR GRAVES.

My other option is moving out of the country when I'm ready and the 50% of the population that does not pay federal income taxes can somehow manage to scrounge up the 28% I won't be paying anymore.

Perry was simply fueling the cause for a very small percentage of his constituents. Stupid move and he may have just handed over his Governorship to Ms. Hutchinson.

The number of Tea Bag Protesters was around 200,000 nationwide. I feel sorry for those misguided souls who had been coerced into this protest by folks that pay LESS percentage of tax than the protesters. In any case, they are far right wingers that are feeling pissed off because their beloved GOP ways are disintegrating before their eyes.

It wasn't misinterpreted. When there are people in the crowd yelling for secession and you are talking about secession, you are fanning the flames. There should be consequences.

If need be, I'm already packed and willing to become a "TEXAN"...

I think the best idea came from someone on The Ed Show last night: Let them secede and then start worrying. After all, the United States is known for invading oil-rich nations.

I'm from Illinois and want to move to Texas. This guy rocks!! Dead on!

I think what he said was reasonable. Government is not listening, but I think it is a better idea to use our Right to Bear Arms – Then use them to fulfill another right, in that when the Government becomes corrupt – REPLACE IT!!! Problem is, we sold America to Big Business, let them sell our Manufacturing which is on the way to eliminating the Middle Class (which is the American Dream). Un-Amarican? I think it is what America was built to be, a country run For and By the People. I am sure those who think everything is fine, are the People who sold America to Big Business, Banks and Wall Street. Now those who want it back are the "freaks"? Give me a break – Baby Boomers turned their back on America to make thier own gains of Houses, Boats, Cars and TVS. They taught their children to act the same, but now some of us are waking up to realize – Our Grandparents new whats right, now they are spinning in thier grave 100mph, while the youth is starting to see where our parents led us wrong!!!

He mean't exactly what he said. If he secedes from the United States than his country will be a sitting duck for their next door neighbor.

Why didn't he put this on the table when former president Bush was dragging this country through the sewer? Sounds to me as if he has been taking stupid advice from Gov. Palin.

If you secede from the United States and have already taken the Stimulus package, than give it back!

Gov. Perry, you did not go out and say Texas will sucede. However, you clearly implied that if Washington continued its actions in a mannor that Texas did not like then Texas would sucede from the Union.

Here's your quote since you seem to be forgetting it in its entirety: "There's a lot of different scenarios. We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we're a pretty independent lot to boot."

Governor Perry and other republicans are pandering to the most extreme right wingers. They should try something constructive for a change.

Let his bunch of malcontents break away in their own union. They could elect Bush President and start their own little country.

I can respect people who protest our government for infringements of rights. I have no respect for seditious and blatantly offensive comments like this. We are all in this problem together – Democrats, Republicans, Independents, liberals, conservatives, and moderates. We need to stop acting like children – case in point Governor Perry – and start acting like adults to solve this problem.

I expect more of this. The Republican party is dying and they just might try to tear the union down as they go down. Must have been a good news day for our enemies around the world.

"It is the ultimate anti-American statement," State Rep. Jim Dunnam of Waco told reporters Thursday

Really? Is it Anti-American to suggest that the people of this nation should not talk of action or even make bold statements that imply they are "upset" about the actions of our government.
Is it Anti-American to talk of sucession when this nation was created by people that decided to leave one country that had taken them and their voices for granted.
Is it Anti-American to question the very actions of a current government that has decided to ac t " in our best interests" and spend TRILLIONS of dollars to help rescue this nation that has lost a sense of not only moral, but personal and social responsibility?
I thought this government was designed for "We the people" not what is best "For the people"?
No it is not Anti-American to question or say these things, in fact it is a revival to what being an American is really all about!!

'Country First'...?

hahahahaha.

I'd like to see him come over here to Ft. Hood and give that speech.

Texas school children now are forced to say a pledge of allegiance to Texas by virtue of our Republican-dominated state legislature. An incredible waste of time unless we are trying to raise a generation of secessionists! Perhaps we have missed the real master plan of the DeLay/Perry gang.

Treason!!!
I call for Perry to be drawn and quartered!!

"Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court."

I believe he has confessed.

When Richard Perry says a government not responsive to the people what he really means is a government that is not under Republican control. Tell him to look at the polls, more people agree with what President Obama is doing. If Perry is unable to figure it out more people means a majority. Which means the people win and the closed minded republicans lose.

"There's a lot of different scenarios," Perry said Wednesday as crowd members shouted calls for secession. "We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that."
________________________________________________________

If you read this and think that he just said that Texas should secede you are grasping at straws. I want one of you libs to explain how saying "We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it" Is Anti-American. If anything it is pro-American. He shot down the Idea of secession and said, "But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that." suggesting that other actions were possible.
Boy you dems must be getting desperate.

If Texas secedes I'll have to move, I want my social security , btw , I could be wrong but does New Hampshire also have certain rights, Texas will not secede, it's all a bunch of republican BS. There are a lot of rich spoiled brats in this state and they are just pouting and whinning. If you took all the property owned by CEO's and POLITIANS out of Texas it would be about the size of Main.

Texas the only state where it's still legal to think for yourself.
And taking care of your friends and family is not looked down on.
We still sing God Bless America, and believe it!

Don't back off Governor keep kickin butt and taking names.
I'm an enemy of the state now so we may as will succeed.
If the guy in front of you driving his car off a cliff, there's no need to follow him.

It's our right as the state of Texas to succeed it's in our state Constitution.

Does this governor think he's been crowned king? Sounds like treason to me. What do they do with traitors in Texas?

Obama has become the most polarizing president in the US history...he obviously failed to bring all parties together and failed to take control of Pelosi, Reid and the left. I can see how this will happen in the near future if Obama dont get his act together...he needs to get some backbone

What get's me is that most most are blaming Obama. We had 8 years of GW all look what that got us. I am not saying that Obama has done everything right. I don't believe in bailing the rich out but tell me where will the jobs come from. We all have to take the blame for what's going on. Mr Perry is wanting the Fed to say out of his states business but when something major happens like a hurricane who does he cry to for help. Next time you get hit with a hurricane take care of it your self and don't ask the Fed for help. Just see how far you will get then.

Actually, Texas never had the right to secede. The Houston Chronicle ran the story the day after he made his original comments. Texas had the right to break into 4 new states should it desire. However, about 20 years later Texas seceded anyway and LOST. Even if you want to believe they had the right to do so before, they certainly lost that right in the surrender agreement.

Not to mention that if Texas did try and secede, and even if the US government didn't use military force to intervene, do you honestly think nothing would happen? The embargo Texas would be hit with would make Iran and Cuba look like free trade zones, the off-shore oil would be seized since Texas doesn't have a military in its own right, every major corporation would leave because they couldn't do business, etc... The state would be broken, bankrupt, and powerless to do anything about it except apologize and ask to brought back into the US. Mexico sure as hell isn't going to help. They need US money too badly.

Whatever... We all know what you meant.

So, in addition to being a hypocritical, disengenuous, self serving pol, we see that Texas Governor Rick Perry doesn't even have the courage to take responsibility for his own irresponsible comments. When Governor Perry refers to "Washington thumbing it's noses" at the people, I assume he's referring to Republican President George W. Bush, his team of incompetant cronies, and the Republicans who controlled Congress for most of the last eight years, since they are the ones who ran the economy into the ground and mortgaged our future with the biggest runup in the national debt and the national budget deficit in history.

Now he's backtracking as the cries of "traitor" reach his ears because he's facing the consequences of opening his mouth when he shouldn't have. What a fool. Yet another Republican to vote out of office.

the foot in the mouth is only getting bigger!!

I cannot believe that a sitting governor would make such traitorous remarks. Although, with the amount of federal funds that go to Texas the rest of the nation would be better of if the did secede. Texas would really become a little Mexico then.

Gov. Perry is a TRAITOR! Absolutely nothing patriotic about what he said and yes, he MEANT IT!! And what do people really mean when they say "let's take OUR country back"! Isn't America one country??? Or is it only the NATIVE AMERICANS that can honestly claim this land as there's??? Is Gov Perry angry because Pres. Obama is in charge? Where was he when Bush/Cheney was driving us into the Grand CANYON?

We're all immigrants and unfortunately some came by force!!! Gov Perry has exposed his true color and only his sheet is missing when he's in public places!!!

Let him secede some place out of sight!!! Shame on him and he was elected by the majority to represent the great state of Texas! Scary!!!!!

And you right wingers wonder why we don't trust the Republican Party? With folks like Gov. Perry, Rush, Laura, Hannity, Sara Palin, Fox (Fix) NEws spewing hatred 24-7...ummm explains why most folks stay away from the GOP!!
And we ponder why the rest of the world thinks we're a bunch of nuts!!!
Pres. Obama has a lot of work to do while dealing with bufoons that will never accept him as President of the U.S. but he is and he was elected by people who saw the world differently and beyond the color of Pres. Obama's skin!!

Obama/Biden 2012

I don't understand the people who say they need to "take the country back." From whom? Who do you think is running the country? Martians? We're all patriotic citizens, here. We just don't agree with your tactics and policies. We won, (liberals, Democrats, progressives,) and you lost. That doesn't mean it's not still ALL our America. After all, those of us who suffered and died under the tyranny and treason of the Bush administration never threatened to secede.

So where are the treasonous statements? Personally, I think this guy's an idiot, and I couldn't care less if Texas ceased to exist, but I didn't hear anything in his speech that was treasonous. In fact, he's correct, the 10th amendment reserves all rights to the states that haven't been enumerated by the Constitution, so in effect, anything that the federal government does that isn't outlined in the constitution, and hasn't been explicitly deferred by the states to the federal government is an encroachment on the rights of states to govern themselves.

In point of fact, the states 'have' been walked all over by the federal government for quite a long time, and the obvious result of such a behavior is what we see today, an economy in shambles and an inordinate number of people in foreclosure. As such, it is a behavior that must end. The federal government must be drastically reduced, including the insane size of our military and related defense expenditures, and power must be returned to the individual states. That's how Jefferson wanted it, and I see no reason for it to exist any other way.

Why hasn't he been arrested for Treason? If bush were still president he would have under the Patriot Act.

Gov Perry is an IDIOT!!! You would think he would know about Supreme Court cases about his state:
Texas v. White, 74 U.S. 700 (1869) was argued before the United States Supreme Court in 1869. The Court held in a 53 decision that the Constitution did not permit states to secede from the United States, and that the ordinances of secession, and all the acts of the legislatures within seceding states intended to give effect to such ordinances, were "absolutely null".

DARN....
I was really hoping that Texas would leave........!
It would be fun to watch them fend for themselves in this economy....maybe we could put a fence around Texas and keep them out of OUR country!
DARN.....

Sorry I meant 5 states.

Anti American!?!?!?

I am an American – I am the lastest in 4 generations who have served this country in its armed forces and in civil duty, and I applaud Gov. Perry's comments.

The right and DUTY of the people to protest and take action against and unruly governement is WRITEN in the Constitution, SEVERAL times. Gov. Perry is correct to voice the outrage of so many across this nation.

Anyone who thinks otherwise has NO clue what it is to be American themselves.

I am tired of our officiuals throwing around "anti-american." Government officials are not qualified to declair others as Anti-American.

I'll be he didn't expect his comments to be the topic of all of the major political shows yesterday. Now, he is trying to fix it. I am so ashamed of him. There so many true patriots who love the USA here in the Great State of Texas who are also deeply ashamed of this man who was elected to represent us.

Steve, Columbia SC April 17th, 2009 10:41 am ET

You critics are not listening to the people……….they are tired of federal intrusion, big government, criminal spending habits, and the elitism in Washington, DC.

What federal intrusion? Give me an example.
Big government? Criminal spending habits? You must be talking about the Bush administration where the size of government increased dramatically and spending all of that money on that unjustificed un necessary war. Place the blame where it belongs

Maybe Texas should just split into 10 states and get a few more senators in the senate...

Open mouth put foot in or maybe former President BUsh can be the new president of the new country of TEXAS

Governor Perry, what you speak of is sedition. Texas may not opt out of the Union. I believe we already settled that issue in our past. I'll be the first to take up arms when that day comes. I'm an American first and Texan second.

The Texas governor is not only a liar, he is a coward. He said what he said to a rally the rif-raf that would listen to such an obvious right-wing waco. My message to the governor is this: Don't let the door hit your backside on the out and be sure to take the Crawford Fool with you.

States' rights are being eroded at an alarming pace. They need to be able to remind the federal government that we are the UNITED States not the FEDERAL States. The current administration doesn't have any respect for the sovereignty of our nation, what do they care about the sovereignty of a single state?

Looks like the next Texas gov will be a Dem.

The Constitution does not permit a state to secede once it is a part of the Union. The Supreme Court in Texas v White (1869) decided that the entry of Texas into the United States was its entry into "an indissoluble relation." The Supreme Court specified that only through mutual consent of the state and the United States could a state leave the Union. Unless, of course, the state initiates a revolution.

For the love of all that is good, just VOTE and hassle your elected representatives about the issues that matter to you. That's how we do things in a democracy.

Didn't people in the state of Vermont make the same sort of comment a couple years ago?

The guy has it right,its time for all states to tell the federal government to stick it!!!!

Well I have two comments, 1. Perry, it appears, is the one who didnt read the constitution or any of its amending documents becasue he clearly missed the proclemation that states Texas had forfited its right to cecead at the end of the civil war. 2. He realy did say that the union that Texas was part of is great. But he also made it very clear with his next sentence that he was threatening the possibility of a ceceasion. Ahh I love how polititions continuousely shoot themselves in the foot over and over again. they really need to stop being cowards and own up to their words!

Texas, Secede Now!!!!

"Perry's original comments on the matter came Wednesday at a "Tea Party" even in Austin, when he railed against the federal government for what he said were infringements of states' rights..."

I wonder if this statement was in reference to the 2004 Presidential election? Nah, it's okay to infringe on states' rights if it benefits your party!

Perhaps the TEA parties could find an appropiate time and station so we can re-watch them, let's say Comedy Central!

I wonder what kind of "responsible" government has among the lowest SATs scores and the highest poverty rates in the nation? That question becomes even more pertinent when one looks at all the natural resource wealth Texas has been blessed with. It seems to me that people who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Especially when the glass is so brittle.

Secession?... I have a three word answer.

Appomattox Court House.

"Misinterpreted" ?

I speak, write, and understand English.

His very loaded comment came across loud and clear.

Perry was trying to grab headlines and it backfired on him.
Typical republican, doing anything they can in front of the cameras
to get attention.
Am sure he did not realize the American people have the intelligence to know he was totally out of line and as unAmerican as you can get.
Many of our politicians today have lost sight of what they are
elected to do which is do what is best for our country and us,

Mr. Perry, you obviously are no patriot nor lover of this country. What you have said is foolish to the point of being inflammatory and dangerous. That a sitting governor of one of our largest state's would say such a thing for his own political gain, a small potatoes parochial interest gain at that, is outrageous, unmanly, and small minded. Where is the high mindedness to serve the common interests of the people of your state, Sir?

In the video he states "we will not be ignored". You mean like those of us on the left were ignored for the past 8 years? Well, we spoke up. We voted. Now the right is out of power and they are very unhappy about it. Well, I'm sorry to inform you that you now have to wait your turn. Maybe you'll get some of that power back in 2010, maybe not. Maybe you'll get in all back in 2012, maybe not. For now, the people have spoken and the right is OUT. You're naysaying will not change the resolve of the Obama administration to bring dignity and prosperity back to this nation. Should he succeed, then the right is REALLY in trouble. Should he fail, we are ALL in REALLY BIG trouble. Shouldn't we be banding together and working and hoping for SUCCESS?

This is the most ridiculous elected official I've ever seen. He is not only an embarassment to his home state, but to our country. You may not agree with everything the new administraion does, because sometime I don't. But to make a statement like that shows a person of little intelligence and like the rest of the whiny republicans that feel like the country as we know it is coming to an end, someone with not a single original idea that just has to revert to trashing their own county as a response. Republicans need to realize that the more they complain like children by throwing arizona iced tea (which is an american product, so I'm sure they appreciated the rise in sales for the day) into rivers, they are isolating themselves as a party and sealing their fate. Good luck to all you republicans that are still holding onto this grudge of losing, I'm sure it will all work out one day.

No, we understand what he was saying. He should be investigated for treason. Furthermore, someone with those views should NOT be holding public office.

When did Republicans become so un-American.

Should the new slogan for Texas me "What's wrong with Texas?"

His comments are going to come back in hurt him in the primaries. We'll see how independent Texas is once hurricane season comes along.

And I've never been so proud of Texans. For standing up to you.

It was the coward's way of making a point. The I don't think this but "other people" may say.... He should either say he believes this is a great union and be done with it or say he wants Texas to secede. This other people are thinking stuff is his trying to be on both sides of the issue.

You texans sure have a nack for putting your foot in your mouth,. George Bush 1,,,,,read my lips,,,,,,,,no new taxes. i would like to mention George Bush junior's foot in mouth statements,,,,,,,this column more than likely has a limit as to the length of words,,,,therefor i will only say,,,,,his miscues would take several weeks to mention all of them. It is really truly amazing that the average citizen in America does not have the ability to truly understand what our elected leaders are saying at any given time,,,,,,,,gimme a break. Why don't you politicians just shut up,,,,,,or say something truthful for a change.

I am an American first, and a Texan second. I am a Texas democrat and I wish we would be distinquished as such versus Texas Repulicans who are the ones Perry referes to in clarifying his remarks Thursday, " Perry also said he has "never been prouder of Texans" for standing up to Washington, DC." And thousand of republican Texans voted for Obama because they see where the republican party is going – at least the fools who get elected. Or I should say were elected. I doubt we will see Perry around for the next time.

But...but there are many of us Northerners that WANT Texas to leave....

He needs to be under fire for his remarks. Hes a traitor

I think Perry needs to be tried for treason. Can you imagine the outcry that would have happened if any Democrat had said this while Republicans are in power?

Who cares what the liberal media says anymore

Rev wright lets hear it!

dont know why people like these are elected into office. you shd be voted out.

What's not so funny, whether he "meant it or not", is that so many Republican types took it seriously. And now that he's backtracked, watch how many of them say they're disappointed in Gov. Perry.

In their imaginary world, disgruntled Republicans have a country of their own, where only they make the rules and only they are...right.

Be carfule Governor, you are flitin with Treason. Typical super-patriot with unAmerican ideas.

So the GOP branded Cat Stevens a traitor and a terrorist, while Perry is allowed to slide because he sells propane and propane accessories?

Something stinks in the Lone Star State.

Riiight. Perry said the same thing, 3 different ways on 3 different occasions THIS week alone.

This is a plea to the rest of the US....... Please ignore Perry! He does not represent real Texans!

As a fellow Texan I feel the need to emphatically state that Rick Perry does not speak for me nor does he speak for most of the folks I know.

Rick Perry has embarrassed the people of Texas once again.

Thanks, Gov.

I can't wait until Texas secedes so that my tax money will no longer be used for immigration control measures and hurricane assistance for Texas. Let Texans handle their own problems.

Wow – Hope he wasnt considering a Run for Pres or VP in the future. Obviously this same issue impacted Palin's chances once it came out that she was head speaker of The Alaskan Independence Party and made similar commments regarding seceding from the US.

Just like i'm a terrorist for having an anti Obama bumper sticker on my car now.

The dude got caught up in the crowd fever and let his true thoughts be known... To late pal, can't unring the bell, now do us all a favor an resign so Texas can begin to move forward in a more positive direction.

People (Republicans mostly) railed against Obama and his wife for not being patriotic. Going as far as saying that not wearing a lapel pin was unpatriotic. Perry's comments are, IMO, not only unpatriotic but treasonous. Let me hear from the right wing now, please!

Good, let them go.

Lies lies ... nothing but BIG TEXAS lies!

You have LOST my Texas Vote Ricky!

kay bailey hutchison got my vote now

Talk about being ANTI American! They should handle him like Andrew Jackson handled South Carolina in 1829- Kick his Butt

Too many, including the "Texas Democrats" noted above, have fallen into the belief that states are subject to the federal government. A read of Federalist Papers will clarify in anyones head that the Federal Government is subject to the states.
I understood exactly what Perry was saying when he made his comment. He was rightly scolding the feds for sticking their noses into business that is not theirs. Texas should gladly accept the rebate of taxes already paid to the government by it's hard working citizens. However if Washington is going to mandate Texas change their laws in order to qualify for the rebate – they should indeed tell them to keep it. Any politician who would so easily roll over to the will of the feds just to get back a little of their money – shouldn't hold a political office.

The South will not rise again. You lost. Get over it.

as much as I'm not a Kay B. Hutch fan, I would take her in a minute over this moron we have for a gov right now. Perry PLEASE give us fair warning if you are going to make my state into another country so I can put my house on the market and get the heck outta here.

I thought republicans were so patriotic and pro-American. What a joke.

Perry had been truly visionary in a few of his positions. He pursued a 50 year water plan before the environmental movement, he started a roads plan that diverted long distance traffic from the overfilled and unworkable I35 corridor, he pushed HPV immunizations when the first studies came out that showed their advantage. But he has been dialed back into the boneheaded conservatism that gets politicians elected down here, and keeps the state 2nd-rate.

Gov. Perry's should backtrack and apologize for his ridiculous comment, what a slap in the face to every veteran that fought and died for this union. What a selfish and anti-American comment to make.

I understand and agree with most of his points about the Federal Government but the answer isn't seceding. The answer is standing together and fight to take our country back!!

Gov. Perry, it's called sedition, and it's a high crime against the government of the United States. It really disgusts me to see the actions of our founding fathers subverted by a bunch of ultra-conservative sore-loser Neocons who still haven't figured out that they're the cause of the mess we're in.

And here comes the back track and "I'm sorry if you were offended but I'm not going to apologize."

Funny, where were these people during the last 8 years when the (p)resident was thumbing his nose at the middle class while giving tax breaks to the wealthy, and spending and growing the government like crazy?!?

Oh yeah, they were watching Fox News. Can't organize a protest until Fox tells them it's ok to do so.

You go, Rick! Just go. And take the rest of your treasonist followers with you.

People are so backwards,,,Texans were one of the main ones saying Obama was unpatriotic but you got a crowd of mostly white conservative probably self-proclaimed Christian yelling for secession!
The ultimate unpatriotic anti-american act.

sure let them go, I love to see how they plan to protect themselves from terrorist and and give back the millions of dollars they have taken of government funds!!!!

Leaders aren't supposed to be swayed by mobs. Even entertaining the thought of seccession is the ultimate act of un-patriotism. To do it over the political maneuverings that are behind the tea-bag movement is shameful.

Texas should secede. The U.S. is well on its way to full-blown socialism and corporate fascism and the only hope for Liberty may be the independent Republic of Texas. Texas has the strongets economy in the Union right now, so we would be much better off without Bush and Obama's war-mongering and Empire building. Let's keep our money in Texas and take care of Texans and let the "United" States deal with Washington's B.S.

Gov. Perry epitomizes the gut emotion of REAL Americans. Its being said that the Constitution loses relevance in the 21st century, those same people obviously think a 2000 year old Bible has lost relevance also. This country is barreling down a road leading to a correction.
When the stock market, housing markets and all commodity markets get too crazy theres always a natural correction that brings those entities back into reality. The conservative, God-fearing, silent majority is edging closer to initiating that correction, with the ballot or otherwise.

Perry, it is people like you who are thumbing your nose at the American people! The wishes of the American people have been made known! Our President was elected by the American people to lead us out of the desert we have been wandering in due to a serious lack of leadership for quite some time. We chose him and we are behind him. If you don't like it, then get out, and take your pitiful 10,000 teabaggers with you. They're upset? MUST BE THEIR TURN!

Please,

get the ... out of the union. It is not Perry's fault. It is the crazy people in Texas who keep electing such people in office. What is really Texas IQ???

No it wasn't misinterpreted. He said exactly what he meant. Now that he's getting backlash, and seeing that people are happy to be Texans, but far more happy to be Americans, it was suddenly "misinterpreted." He needs to step down and get a grip. Hopefully, if the Governor must be a Republican, the people will vote this clown out and put in Kay Bailey Hutchinson.

Once again, I am dumbfounded and thoroughly embarrassed by the Governor of the State of Texas. As a Texas, I thought it couldn't get any worse than George W. Bush, but Rick Perry is both astoundingly stupid and so far to the right, it makes me want to move to Oklahoma. And that's saying something.

We have a great country, but don't overlook the
Constitutional rights of states. States are not robots of the federal government. States are given rights that the current administration clearly is ignoring in trying to behave like they are masters of the states.

Perhaps he doesn't understand that his party lost the election. Sounds like a sore loser to me.

Amazing! This state produces the worst president in history, ya know the one, yeah, that one...gets the USA into the worst recession since the great depression AND starts the bailout process. Everyone seems to forget, the one who started it all, comes from, and now resides, (comfortably) in Texas. Big Goverment? YOUR homeboy started it! War, Recession, Bailouts....Let TX go. seems the majority there believe they are better off than the rest...then go for it. Let's se where TX stands in a few years...Begging for bailouts money, no doubt.

Back-Pedaling indeed. Hypocrites!

It looks like Perry wanted to moon Washington because he thought "this will show 'em"...but when he pulled down his 'britches', he realized he wasn't wearing any undies...so the only one who looks stupid, actually ends up being Perry....and the GOP/Brownshirt NeoCons who jumped up to applaud him for lack of anything else to cheer for...besides Palin going to Indiana for a free dinner (this time with utensils).

Yeah right Gov. Perry. I live in Texas it is not looking good for you.

The state that gave us GWB, a legacy of torture and an economy in shambles wants to secede from the union now? I wish they had done it before the 2000 election. Then they could have all those problems to themselves.

Who needs them anyway? We can just move the border fence North!

Sounds like treason to me, but past history shows we allow treasonous acts from politicians from this state.

"Clearly, I stated that we have a great union. And Texas is part of a great union. I see no reason for that to change. I think that may not be the exact quote, but that is, in essence what I said," he added.

Actually, that's the OPPOSITE of what you said.

I love how Governor Good Hair, who you can usually find in a $1,200 suit, was at a anti-tax rally in his "one of the guys" baseball cap and his Amedinejad-esque wind breaker.

Guess what Governor Perry? I read the Constitution and I also heard your comments and that is exactly what I interpreted what you said to mean. Don't blame the listener. You said something idiotic, own up to it.

When Texas entered the union they maintained the right to succeed (in writing) they are the only state with that right.

If this is what the Replicans have to offer then the Democrats have nothing to worry about.

Yeah - right !!!!! Good ole goodhair – as we call him. Always the panderer trying to "spin' his way out of this one.

You critics are not listening to the people..........they are tired of federal intrusion, big government, criminal spending habits, and the elitism in Washington, DC.

But watch out those who are speaking up, you may be classified as "domestic right-wing terrorists".

He wasn't misinterpreted.

What I want to know is why he wasn't shouting this from the rooftops over the last 8 years when we had a would-be dictator in the White House who should now be on trial for war crimes, when this dictator took away civil liberties and violated the Constitution, when this dictator spent billions on an illegal war. Huh? Where were the secessionists then when there was a valid reason to even bring the subject up for discussion?

No, please, take it back! Tell me you were serious!

A lot of us feel the same...Robert E. Lee and the Confederacy were right on. We have allowed the Feds to wreck this country and it ain't over!

Not only should Gov. Perry reject ALL of the 16.9 billion dollar package earmarked (pardon the pun) but he should also reject any and all federal dollars coming to Texas. The governor is the embodiment of the word hypocrite.

Should Mr. Perry continue to insinuate that Texas should withdraw from the Union and/or not react to those who scream secede, then he is committing an act of treason and should be dealt with accordingly.

I liken this to the McCain rallys where that one woman was like: "He's (obama) an Arab," and McCain had to adivise her of the truth. It's like die-hard Republican followers have allowed the party lies, their own insecurities, and they fact that their party is done as a viable party in the immediate future, go to their heads. They've pretty much lost it at this point.

Of course it was but the far left liberal loons don't get it! I've never know the democrats to be so utterly stupid as this generation is. My father was a die-hard democrate but he is turning over in his grave at these zealots!

I'm tired of asking this question too. Where were all these rallies and bs when GWB was in office and torching the economy. Where were these scorpions?

Why is he trying to bite his tongue now? He said what he said because he meant it. You're a traitor Gov. Perry.

The saying goes like this: If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, then it's a duck!

So, now the rest of us 'aren't reading the Constitution right'? Shove off, Perry. You're no better than the rest of us, and you need a grammar lesson.

Rick Perry hates America.

It's too bad Texas didn't secede in 1999. The country woudln't be in half the the mess it is today.

Man, he got my hopes up and just let me down like this?