No, states cannot secede. We're all stuck with each other.
Every southern state entered the union voluntarily. At the time when the southern states joined the union, inability to leave the union was not specified as a condition of joining. To be fair and right, they had, and should still have, the right to leave the union whenever they want if they joined the union under those conditions, or lack of conditions. They were held by armed force against the will of their people. After they seceded the United States invaded the South where virtually all of the war was fought. Ulysses S. Grant conducted a domestic terror campaign, serving as an agent of the federal government, that looted, burned, and destroyed private homes and businesses throughout the southern states in addition to killing soldiers defending their states against northern aggression. The southern states and armed forces did not, except in one case, invade any states that remained as part of the union.
When you go to a football or baseball game, you can leave whenever you want. You are not held against your will. You can leave any time you want and for any reason. You can support any team of your choice and can even switch the team you support during the game if you so choose. You are not forced at gunpoint to support a particular team; even the home team.
Now in this country, if you have committed a crime and been sentenced for it, you are forced to go to prison. You do not go voluntarily. You are held in prison by armed force against your will.
The southern states had committed no crime.
Right is right.
Fun Fact:
In fact, the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln was only meant to free slaves in the southern states. It did not apply to the slaves in the northern states and there were some - certainly not as many as in the south but they were there and it was several years before they were eventually freed by the federal government.
Obligatory Disclaimers:
I do not think slavery was right. I do think slavery was wrong. I do not hate black people. I like people of all races until any particular person gives me a valid reason to not like them. I try to judge people by the content of their character; not the color of their skin. Martin L. King had it right.
I think the "Black Lives Matter" slogan is provocative because it implies that black lives matter more than other lives. I think the better slogan would be "Black Lives Matter Too." That would not be nearly as divisive but it seems to me that divisiveness was the intention in the first place.
I also do not think it is normally in the best interest of this country or any state for a state or states to secede but, in fairness, they should have that right.
I like the current Mississippi state flag and would vote to keep it but if the majority of the voters of this state vote to change it then I believe that the majority should rule. I'm fine with that but I think the voters of Mississippi should vote on whether to change it; not the legislators. I especially don't like the NCAA, the SEC, or other outside parties laying down ultimatums to change our flag whether we want to or not. As much as I want to play tournaments here, History and my heritage, including some of my ancestors, is a little more important to me than a sports game.
Finally, I fully expect to have several people here on SixPack disagree with my opinions. Their opinions are as valuable as mine but not more valuable than mine. An opinion is just that; an opinion. I cannot and would not think that other people have to agree with my opinions and, by the same token, I don't have to necessarily agree with theirs. That doesn't mean that we can't have a civil discussion.
I'll hang up and listen.
