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Florida Secession Movement: Your Thoughts?

An online petition has been filed with the White House requesting that Florida be allowed to “withdraw from the United States of America.” Do you think it’s time to go it alone?

A growing group of Floridians think the state should break away from the United States and run its own affairs.

Doubt it?

There’s an official petition filed with the federal government via the White House’s website. The petition had 18,728 signatures as of 8:45 a.m. Nov. 13. It has a goal of 25,000 signatures and was only created on Nov. 10.

There’s even some momentum behind the idea it would seem. When Sarasota Patch ran an article on the petition, it was reported there were only 1,343 signatures. That number has since climbed in leaps and bounds, nearing the goal of 25,000.

Here’s what the petition asks:

We the people of the great state of Florida, do see that in today's world the Federal Government has not led our citizens justly and with honor. We therefore as free men and women of our great state do believe that it is time to take matter upon ourselves to ensure our continued freedom, and to enact our own laws and hereby govern ourselves without the federal government's involvement in our internal matters from this day forward.

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Benjamin Franklin: 1775

What do you think? Has the federal government failed to lead “justly and with honor?” Is it time for states like Florida to stand up and say “enough?” Or, is the federal government right on track and the petition an off-base attempt to undermine the Union? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

People Person November 20, 2012 at 08:56 pm
Postman - Does your wife still have the great drop biscuit recipe? My family went nuts for those last Thanksgiving and I can't find it anywhere. My sister Helen must a stole it off my kitchen counter. She's got sticky fingers, if you know what I mean. Drop it in my box, honey, when you can. Thank you!
Gramps Pupany November 20, 2012 at 09:02 pm
I'm proud to announce that Barack Obama will be out next President. Apparently some of you missed this news. The election is over, kids. Move on.
Voice of Reason November 20, 2012 at 09:02 pm
Let's see, because we do so well with Left Wing Radicals????
Voice of Reason November 20, 2012 at 09:11 pm
As a twenty-seven year former combat veteran of the armed forces, I can't agree with you less! I defend freedom, that includes the right to express an opposing opinion, not just one that agrees with my viewpoint. And actually, the secessionists want you to leave. They ain't going nowhere my friend.
Jo Ann November 21, 2012 at 02:01 pm
Voice of Reason...thank you. Thank you for your service. Thank you for 27 years of putting your life on the line for me. Thank you for giving up Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, your children's activities and functions and normal daily living for my Freeedom. I have worked since 1964, yet nothing I have given or accomplished comes near to what you have given. I am thankful to you and for you. Without your daily efforts and sacrifices my life would have been different. Thank you so much. May you have a Blessed Thanksgiving and a lifetime of Freedom.
Goin' Commando November 21, 2012 at 04:13 pm
The loony tunes radical right wing nuts apparently operate on the basis of Napoleanic Law.
They tell you that you have to PROVE to them that their wild and hairy statements are untrue. Merely stating something, regardless of how feeble the "source", is their "proof" that it is true. And, when someone mocks their lunatic statements, they tell you that those comments are not as valid as their wild and hairy pronouncements. What total cow pies!
American Patriot November 21, 2012 at 04:21 pm
And, as a retired military officer, I tell you that while people have a right to varying opinions - and I also fought to preserve and protect that - they do NOT have a right to tear apart this Union.
Secession is a treasonable act, and we fought one great Civil War to prevent that happening ever again. Opinion is NOT an excuse for treason. Those who do not like President Obama are just like those who did not like President Bush (43); they are Americans, entitled to opinions, but NOT entitled to actions against the Constitution or the tearing apart of our Union. Get over it, folks; Obama is the President of all Americans, just as Bush (43) was the President of all Americans. Move on to solving the many problems of this great nation, which decades of bad decisions have created.
Samuel Clemens November 21, 2012 at 04:33 pm
Funny how any person who seems to be concerned about real issues facing the nation.....not the fluff issues......is labeled "radical" or "right wing." If you are placing that label on me, you couldn't be more wrong.
Just because some of us are aware of what's happening in the world and want to make others aware doesn't mean we are crazy. The crazy ones are those who defend these nutjobs that parade around as our leaders. I ask people to "prove me wrong" when they simply state I am craaazy or do not know what I am talking about. If you believe I am craaazy, how about you actually state something of substance, instead of simply believing you are right and I am wrong. Unlike most, I could care less if I am "right," I'm attempting to make others aware of things that really matter......and as you can see, I am sticking up for others who get belittled for attempting to speak of topics that truly affect us all. It's quite easy to simply state....."ha! Conspiracy Theorist!" or "you're crazy," but it actually takes one to have some knowledge to show another how they are craazy. Label me all you want, but you will never see ME simply stating another is wrong, I will attempt to show them the error of their ways. Hmmm, perhaps that is my problem, I actually do care about this world and it's inhabitants. It's quite obvious the majority of you do not....if you did, you would be so tied to the dogma and rhetoric from people who do not care about US.
Samuel Clemens November 21, 2012 at 04:43 pm
Seriously, Commando, you think it's proper to call out another for something......yet YOU have no backing for bringing attention to what YOU deem as a fallacy?
Actually, I think Commando is one of those right wing nuts, since like Karl Rove, he believes he controls reality. FYI: I do not make "comments," but rather they are statements that can be verified by any person who takes the time. It's not like I am speaking of things found on UFO sights, many instances I reference can be verified by reading Congressional Bills, from watching CSPAN clips, from mainstream news sources......................but I know, I know, it is much easier to condemn another for their awareness as you remain in your manufactured reality. What do I know? Maybe I am crazy. I CHOOSE to not reside in a world of lies. Heck, my children know the truth about Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy and all the others fairy tales forced upon the youth in the country.......heck, children are lied to so much growing up, no wonder it's so easy to believe all the lies told to them as adults.
Samuel Clemens November 21, 2012 at 04:54 pm
For those who are bashing the "Secession" movement as something Un-American......let me ask you, how do think the Country became free from England? Was it by bowing down to every whim of the King?
Have any of you actually read the Declaration of Independence?? Take a gander at it and tell me the same thing isn't happening today. Oh, sure, I know I am crazy for asking another to read something.....especially something as conspiratorial as the Constitution, but for any person who still has the ability to think for themselves.......go read it and tell me the same thing isn't happening today. And it has nothing to do with Obama, Romney nor Bush, it's the system enacting the madness. And for those who continue to speak of DEMOCRACY.......this country wasn't established as a Democracy......the men were wise enough to realize the reality of Democracy as 2 wolves and 1 sheep voting on what's for dinner. Democracy is mob rule.....rule of mob. The Republic is supposed to be Rule of Law. Obamacare, SSI, Medicare, etc....is Democracy in action. In a Republic, people like me who do not want to participate in the thievery are protected. The recent tax votes in CA shows how horrible Democracy is.....people had a chance to raise taxes on all......of course they voted against that....but by golly, the chance to raise taxes on the "rich," well the mob got behind that and voted for others to be taxed. Screw Democracy.
Samuel Clemens November 21, 2012 at 06:22 pm
Few headlines from the past day...............these are the real things that make others think about secession:
Who cares? Right......you're not doing anything wrong. http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57552225-38/senate-bill-rewrite-lets-feds-read-your-e-mail-without-warrants/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=title I love Rahm and all his Anti-American views. www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/20/illinois-moves-grant-licenses-illegal-immigrants/ 68 new regulations per day! And people wonder why the economy falters. www.regulations.gov/#%21home;tab=search Debt ceiling...Pffft, according to our Treasury Secretary we don't need no stinking debt ceiling. Print, print, and print some more until the dollar is dead. www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJnLyEWganE You guys know Timothy Geithner, right? The one who stated he'd be open to seeing the dollar replaced. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds_qGXbxK-4 These a just a few headlines from the previous days that should alarm and infuriate all you who claim to love this country. I can post headlines like this daily...........these are the things bothering many, not the freaking Left/Right fantasy world. Perhaps my definition of Freedom and Liberty is different than others.
Goin' Commando November 21, 2012 at 10:23 pm
For Sammy boy, you amy or may not be a right wing nut job.
But, wingnut or not, you are certainly an internet troll, as anyone going through a series of your posts could discover. Troll on, lad, troll on.
Jo Ann November 21, 2012 at 11:50 pm
Obama ...President...may the minds of the unread, uninformed, unwilling be awakened...how many public schools in America are well over 50% free lunch...[ many 80% or higher] that's not about economy...its about integrity...have you seen the waste...the arrogance...the demanding for more from 1/2 of our population...they will break the backs of the other 1/2 ...yet we would punish the wealthy for being EDUCATED [that would mean reading] and following an American Dream to success...how did it come to this? Read, research all sides...time, unfortunately will reveal the realities...
Hugo Quakenbush November 22, 2012 at 12:29 am
This conversation is still going on? I stopped by last week. I may check in next week. Blah, blah, blah go the Obama haters, using the same talking points over and over. We could take the high road and try to reason with them but they won't let facts get in the way of their view of the world. So lets just say "Nana nana na-na, we won! You lost. Get over it!"
Suzanne Stell November 22, 2012 at 01:00 am
You got it ass-backwards lady. Rich people got rich on the backs of the poor, stealing their labor and begrudging them a living wage. That is what capitalism is all about, and that is why people feel entitled, because the system is rigged.
Lynda November 22, 2012 at 01:27 am
Jo Ann, I am not sure why you object to lunch being served to school children. Study after study shows hunger has a considerable negative impact on school achievement. In fact many schools offer breakfast and send food home for children over the weekend to improve school achievement. Children who participate in subsidized meals come from families whose wage earners do not make enough to provide food, shelter and clothing, some of them military families. The failure to improve the minimum wage for jobs means that even with two or three jobs, families can go hungry. Food at school is an attempt to level the opportunity field so that not only the wealthy are educated. "We would punish the wealthy for being EDUCATED." ??? Your logic is a bit off. sort of like your economic ideas. Let me help you with some research: The Economist magazine. Time has revealed "realities"; you might not have been listening, reading or watching..
Jo Ann November 22, 2012 at 02:32 am
You did win...Congratulations...I even voted for Obama the first time...there is no such thing as Free lunch....have you seen the waste...have you seen the freebie people...have you really listened to the people...I help package the Backpacks...I even tutored for FREE...they remain ungrateful and want more... I went to a Housing Project every Wednesday for a year to tutor the moms to get their GED...I wanted the children to see education was important to their MOM...not one mother came ...instead they sent their children for ME to do their homework with them..after a year, I surrendered...I see it daily. If you think we are really helping..we are not...what they are really saying you may not be hearing...but its out there an real none the less...one viewing of the Youtube Obama Phone Lady is just a small sample of our self inflicted reality.
Lynda November 22, 2012 at 05:33 am
It is sad that your efforts were not appreciated in the ways you wanted them to be. Good for you for trying. However, doing "good works" for gratitude or to see people behave the way you think they should, is really very self-centered. I don't mean to be unkind to you, but the gift of service is exactly that, a gift. To expect gratitude for giving help is focusing on your needs and not the needs of those who are being helped. I am no longer surprised by your outlook, but I am very sorry for you. When one tackles difficult problems either as an individual or as a community, success is not always immediate or even defined in ways one would like. The point is to keep trying, to keep planting the seeds and to be delighted by whatever sprouts. I hope you find a way to serve that meets your needs and brightens your outlook.
Jo Ann November 22, 2012 at 10:08 am
Thank you Lynda, you are inspiring. Actually, you are most likely a kind person, thinking these people 'just need a hand up.' The gift was a way out of poverty. Every mother was offered a GED and tuition to the local college. That in turn was a gift to her, her family, the community and the economy. They did not need it...all of their needs were met...by a socialistic government. No gratitude was needed, only elbow grease. Have you read the Affordable Health Care Act aka Obamacare.?.massive...it will hurt seniors and businesses the most...more lay offs more cutbacks until everything collapses into government run entities. A Physical Therapist friends husband was an Electrical Engineer for Defense until the day after the election. The signs are out there daily. I don't remember reading about a Welfare office when the Pilgrims landed. Their fortitude and determination created the greatest country known to mankind...not a socialistic welfare state. I've noticed the guys on the blog have been quiet lately. Come back guys..you're invigorating and usually have great insight and information. Have a peaceful Thanksgiving everyone.
Jo Ann November 24, 2012 at 02:06 am
Is fixthedebt.org a petition we should consider?
Tricia Hutchins November 25, 2012 at 03:23 pm
What you are failing to understand by presenting us with these numbers.....is that your buddy Romney was less popular than that....idiot
Voice of Reason November 25, 2012 at 05:54 pm
Jo Ann, I really enjoy your comments. You are not just pontificating, you live your experiences. I appreciate that and thank you for your kind words. I, like you, have seen well-meaning gestures go afoot. One of the most frustrating things that I see these days is the absolute pervasive, insidious ignorance of the masses who glean their information from sound bites and oft repeated lies that are taken for fact!
The vast majority of the public are simply duped by those entrenched in power to do their bidding. It takes some modicum of effort to stay informed. We have become soft and lazy (evidenced by our ignominious rise to the top of the most obese nation in the Western World!!) How can we then expect people to educate themselves, that would actually take some effort! The incompetence of this present administration which is so obvious to many of us is totally lost to the rest. The facts and statistics are clear but the "buyers" would rather believe the "salesman". Obama is not the greatest threat to our future, it's ignorance! When I attended college I was encouraged to explore, expand my horizons and ask questions. It seems now that schools have an agenda of conformity. If you are a "free-thinker" you are ostracized and denigrated. I read comments by other veterans on this blog that, apparently, never bothered to read the Declaration of Independence, which shows a people not content with the status quo. We are a nation of non-conformist! We don't just take it!
Goin' Commando November 25, 2012 at 07:32 pm
That sound like just another "blamer" and defamer. As to the matter of relative competence, or lack thereof, nothing has ever been worse than the eight years of GWB. Now, Obama is not as good as Clinton, but who is?
However, I do agree with the sentiment that people need to do more original research, rather than parrot-back some crap they heard on talk radio. If we were to ban Fox, and MSNBC, we would all be better for it.
Jo Ann November 26, 2012 at 03:36 am
Glad to hear from you guys. Yes, a little sincere research goes a long way. The National Geographic May edition of 2008 or 2009 was entirely about China and stated that "By 2040 China will be the New World Super Power and the United States of America will be as insignificant as Great Britain." So I did some research tonight...ouch...did I find some science fiction sites or are we hiring Chinese Engineers, Contractors and road crews to build US roads and bridges? Have they been purchasing 30,000 acre tracts of U S soil and building small towns? Tell me I googled Mars and there is no truth to this. : } Seriously. What do you know to be factual about this? I never would have known this except for a young professional at dinner tonight that broached the subject.
joseph sendio January 15, 2013 at 04:22 pm
the state now cannot take care f of itself.I was born and moving out of this stupid state.This state sucks
joseph sendio January 15, 2013 at 04:23 pm
the govenor and mayer of st.pete sucks.
redhededkewty January 15, 2013 at 05:31 pm
Let's put all 37,000 bigots in a boat and let it drift to Cuba.
redhededkewty January 15, 2013 at 10:37 pm
Voice of Reason = Treason. Plain and simple. Put 'it' in jail with the other Anarchists
michael mirra January 16, 2013 at 03:09 am
Who cares what these crazys want to do? They are as crazy as the birthers. In fact most of them most likly are the same people. They're so crazy that they are a joke & are funny.
Samuel Clemens January 16, 2013 at 03:47 am
So believing the States have authority over the Federal Govt they created is crazy?

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