Haley Stands for States’ Rights
In a recent statement, Texas Governor Haley expressed her belief in states’ rights and the importance of local decision-making. She emphasized the need for decisions to be made as close to the people as possible, allowing freedom to thrive.
“Let Freedom Live,” Haley said, highlighting her belief that the government should not dictate people’s lives or actions.
A Standoff with the Biden Administration
Currently, Texas finds itself in a standoff with the Biden administration over the state’s razor wire fence along Eagle Pass, where there has been a surge in migrant crossings. The Supreme Court ruled that, while the case continues in lower courts, the federal government can remove parts of the fence, but Texas is allowed to continue building it.
Tensions Escalating
Following the controversial 5-4 Supreme Court decision, concerns arose about escalating tensions between Texas and the federal government. Governor Abbott made it clear that he would invoke Article 1, Section 10, a constitutional provision that restricts certain actions by states without the consent of Congress. However, secession is not within the powers granted to any state, including Texas.
No Legal Basis for Secession
The U.S. Constitution does not allow for states to secede from the Union. Even before Texas officially rejoined the nation, the Supreme Court stated that secession had never been legal. The language used in Texas’ annexation resolution only permits the state to be divided into new states, not to separate from the United States entirely.
Supreme Court Justice Scalia’s Opinion
Justice Antonin Scalia addressed the issue of secession in 2006, stating that the Civil War resolved any constitutional doubts on the matter. He emphasized that there is no constitutional right to secede, as reflected in the words “one Nation, indivisible” in the Pledge of Allegiance.
While Governor Haley supports states’ rights, including the right of Texas to make decisions independently, secession remains an unlikely outcome.
