Is New York Seceding?

Start spreadin' the news. Is New York leavin' today? Maybe.

This recent episode of the Brion McClanahan Show examines how a prominent New York legislator's call for secession reflects growing acceptance of independence movements across America.

New York State Senator Liz Krueger, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, recently proposed that New York, along with Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont, should secede from the United States and become a new Canadian province. McClanahan notes that this isn't coming from a political outsider, but rather a powerful figure in New York state politics.

According to McClanahan, Krueger cited concerns about federal policies and funding, noting that while New York contributes $362 billion annually in federal tax revenue, it only receives $85 billion in federal aid. She suggested the possibility of withholding federal taxes as leverage.

The historian also discussed parallel developments in California, where the CalExit movement has renewed its push for independence. The movement argues that Trump's reelection could launch "an attack on everything California cares about" and is calling for a referendum on independence.

McClanahan emphasized that state independence is constitutionally permissible, challenging claims that the Civil War or Texas v. White settled the issue. He argues there's nothing in the Constitution prohibiting states from leaving the Union.

The episode also highlighted the TNM's recent success, noting that 10 pro-TEXIT Republicans who pledged support for an independence referendum were elected to the state legislature. TNM President Daniel Miller was quoted saying, "Our momentum is undeniable. We're closer than ever to securing a vote on Texas independence."

McClanahan concluded by observing that these developments mark a significant shift in American political discourse, with independence movements gaining traction across the political spectrum in a way that would have been "unfathomable" thirty years ago.