There is absolutely no point in any state, perhaps least of all Texas, even thinking about secession from the United States, were it remotely legally possible under the Constitution.

Texas can't afford it.

This just shows what fools there are among us as the core Republican Party dwindles down to the whack jobs and nutcases, and for Governor Rick Perry to not rule the absurdity of secession out immediately and forcefully just shows where he's pitching his tent.

Consider that, according to the U.S. Census Consolidated Federal Funds Report for Texas in 2007 (available at http://harvester.census.gov/cffr/asp/Geography.asp), the federal government sent over $171,000,000,000 into Texas through direct payments and obligations and a nearly equal amount, about $160,000,000,000 indirectly through loans, guarantees and insurance.

Let's say just for fun, we all sign the papers and Texas becomes the Lone Star Republic again.  After the last refrains of "The Yellow Rose of Texas" die away, here's what else stops:

Medicare

Federal Medicaid share

Food Stamps

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families

Military spending

NASA spending

University grants

Scholarships

Federal housing assistance

Federal jobs

Interstate highway maintenance

Airport operations under the FAA

Farm subsidies

Small Business Loans

Coast Guard operations

National park operations

Why bother continuing this list?  The very existence of Texas is part and parcel with the continuity of the federal government and federal spending before we consider dime one of the stimulus package.  Of course, all the wages that this generates, the purchases, the state and local tax revenues, well, that's got to stop of course. And that's just what stops NOW.

I think Texas owes us for those interstate highways my tax dollars helped build, plus the cost of relocating our military bases, not to mention NASA operations, and those independent Chuck Norris wannabe's better pay up if we're leaving those national parks behind.  Of course, there are also oil, mineral, and grazing rights on federal (sorry) FORMERLY federal lands but I'm sure we can work something out.

By the way, Texas, we'll be expecting you to keep that border secure with Mexico.  If you don't, we'll just have to secure your border with us.  And that super-duper truck highway from Mexico to Oklahoma City that was in the pipeline?  Fuggedaboudit.  Rail travel is going to be a little trickier, too.  And you'll have to secure your own seaports.

Social Security and Veterans programs will, of course, have to transition.  Over time, those who have already paid into the Social Security system will be taken care of, but any new enrollments stop.  Veterans are a slightly different category - would Texas veterans forego their rights to benefits?  Tough question, and I'm 50/50 on it right now.

I know, we're in a bit of a housing slump, but don't count on any federal support for a secondary mortgage market.  You'll have to build your own.  But it's going to be awfully tough to get Texas housing sales started again with 85% down payments.

On the subject of finance, no more FDIC insurance, PBGIC insurance, SEC coverage, well, the list gets awfully long awfully fast.  And since American Airlines would no longer be American Airlines if it stays in Dallas, maybe it can move up to Chicago where United is already, I'm sure they'd have lots to talk about. 

Not to mention Bank of America, Citibank, J.P. Morgan Chase, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, we know these guys "follow the money" and there's just not going to be as much in Texas anymore so don't expect the money center banks to remain there in strength.    That's OK - I'm sure the financial largesse of the First State Bank of San Antonio will pull you through.

Come to think of it, I don't think the NCAA has room in its charter for foreign country athletic teams, so goodbye to the UT-Oklahoma annual football clash and any other games with teams beyond your turf.  I'll grant that there is plenty of precedent in professional sports so the Pokes and the Redskins will probably still have their twice-annual tilts.  You'll have that going for you anyway.

I see a lot of advertisements "here up north" for vacationers to come to Texas.  Even if the U.S. is generous and doesn't slap travel restrictions onto your fair nation while easing those on Cuba (what delicious irony) I'm thinking that a lot of U.S. travelers will be spending their vacations in California.  "Remember the Alamo" will go from being a statement to a question.

By the way, have we come to the point of your new currency?  Good luck with that, folks.  I see you trading initially at 50 "Texas Stars" to the Ruble, but there's nowhere to go after that but up.  Maybe.

The scariest part of all this for Texans is that maybe Mexico is going to want you back.  I think they might still be pretty pissed off.  But that's OK because Dubya can come out of reitrement, suit up, and lead the Texas Air National Guard to repel the invaders -- Hollywood couldn't come up with anything better!  Oh, wait -- isn't that the basic plot of "Independence Day"? 

The notion of any state seceding can only be described as infantile, and for any political figure to indulge the idea even for a moment is idiotic, even if they're just trying to get some face time on Fox.  It's so remarkably stupid, I was able to dash this posting off in about 45 minutes, research included.  I'd really like to see experts take some time and dimension what it would involve to disentangle Texas from the United States.  Truth is, there won't be a lot left after We The People leave.

Hey, I don't hang around where I'm not wanted.