Can we just keep Austin?

[gimmethesimplelife]

What do you make of Governor Abbott's refusal to comply with Federal law at the border? Is it really that far out there to think succession may end out on the table? Such would not break my heart - other than the loss of Austin. Rob

[Tradd]

The Feds aren't doing shit. Can't really blame TX for what they're doing when they're essentially being invaded.

Now I'd be happy to see California gone.

[Alan]

What do you make of Governor Abbott's refusal to comply with Federal law at the border?

It's a shame that the Federal Government would purposely put any state into that situation.

[pinkytoe]

These guys (both sides) have had years to fix this issue but they don't. I wonder why?? Texas has been threatening succession for years. Bleecchh!!

[Rogar]

Texas gets a huge amount of Federal aid. I seriously doubt they would want to get cut off and think the talk is just bluster. The loss of electoral votes could have some positive effects on politics, though. I'm all for state's rights, even when it comes to who's insurrectionist's names appear on ballots, but the disrespect for the Supreme Court of the nation is a little disturbing.

[jp1]

It's a shame that the Federal Government would purposely put any state into that situation.

Indeed. I can't imagine the "logic" that went into the republicans in congress deciding not to do anything about it now that they have been told by their dear leader that he wants this to remain a problem so that he can campaign on it.

[Alan]

Texas gets a huge amount of Federal aid. I seriously doubt they would want to get cut off and think the talk is just bluster.

That's an interesting bit of speculation. I wonder how whatever Federal aid received stacks up against revenue the Feds receive from Texas and its citizens?

The loss of electoral votes could have some positive effects on politics, though.

If those so inclined to think that way would simply ask, I'm sure the current administration and it's bureaucratic handlers might simply expel pesky red states for such nebulous offenses as failure to enforce approved groupthink among its subjects or perhaps the crime of allowing free expression resulting in insufficient subservience.

[Alan]

Indeed. I can't imagine the "logic" that went into the republicans in congress deciding not to do anything about it now that they have been told by their dear leader that he wants this to remain a problem so that he can campaign on it.

I think the "logic" includes the fact that there are already laws to deal with the problem if that were a government priority, so it would seem illogical to provide additional funds to make not following the law profitable to everyone but the taxpayer.

[jp1]

I think the "logic" includes the fact that there are already laws to deal with the problem if that were a government priority, so it would seem illogical to provide additional funds to make not following the law profitable to everyone but the taxpayer.

Which laws are not being followed?

[Alan]

Which laws are not being followed?

I think the most significant one is the requirement for asylum seekers to apply for asylum at the nearest country to the country they are seeking to escape (although that may be more of an international principle rather than a US law), as well as the requirement that asylum seekers must enter the country at approved international ports of entry. Neither of those requirements are being enforced.

There are also restrictions on those seeking asylum for purely economic reasons although current estimates reveal that something over 80% of the millions of illegal immigrants already released into the United States should have been denied on the basis of that requirement alone.