With all the talk of Texas and secession lately (disclaimer: I do not think Texas will or should secede yet) I began thinking:
Currently the country is fairly evenly divided. Unfortunately, it is becoming more polarized as well.
As such, when one side wins, their goals are irreconcilable to those of their opponents. There is no "middle ground".
(Aside: Ironically, I view the Bush presidency as an attempt at this middle ground. He lowered taxes (a conservative position) which allowed the government to take in more revenue but also increased spending (a liberal position).
Even before Iraq, though, he was villified and rejected by the left. Therefore, I contend that the left will not accept any "compromise".)
Now, given the current rumblings of "Secession!", however unlikely they may be, what will happen in the states left behind?
Politicaly, it is simple to run the math: Texas has 34 electoral college votes. 32 Representatives, 2 Senators.
These have gone to the Republican candidate for president since 1976.
On balance, the Representatives are 12 Democrat, 22 Republican. The senators are both republican.
Now, should Texas secede, we will be left in the House with: 244 Democrats and 156 Republicans. (3 Independent).
The Senate would be at 57 Democrat 39 Republican. (2 Independent).
At this point, the Democratic platform cannot be opposed. With the loss of Texas, the presidency will be firmly in Democratic hands as would be the house.
In the current Senate, even a filibuster would be impossible.
My thought is, then: If one State leaves the union, how could any other states that share its political views not follow?
This is my question about the breaking point: Should one state begin secession, how could the other states not follow?