Texas Secessionist Movement Emboldened By 'Brexit'

Austin, Texas — Texas secessionists — people who have long promoted the idea of having the Lone Star State break away from the United States — have been re-energized in the wake of "Brexit," a vote by British citizens to exit from the European Union.

The Texas version is being dubbed "Texit," the charge being led by the Texas Nationalist Movement. And, in that modern bellwether indicating a movement being legitimately afoot, a Facebook page has been created to promote the idea further.

"From the looks of it, the British people have chosen to take control of their political and economic destiny," TNM President Daniel Miller tells his followers on the social media platform. "The forces of fear have lost. It is now important for Texas to look to ‪#‎Brexit‬ as an inspiration and an example that Texans can also take control of our destiny."

The secessionist movement in Texas has been around for some time, its most ardent adherents inspired by the state's 19th century past as its own Republic for 10 years before re-joining the union. That isolationist ideal has taken new life during the progressive nature of the Obama administration, and its proponents are now further emboldened by the British exit from the EU.

"It is time for Texans to rally with us and fight for the right to become a self-governing nation," Miller urges his followers in a social media clarion call for action.

On Thursday, June 23, British voters opted for the EU exit in a referendum. The results have sent global markets into an economic tailspin, including the Dow Jones and its 611-point drop at the closing bell.

The populist move across the pond was met with jubilation from Texas nationalists. It was also praised by presumptive GOP presidential nominee nominee Donald Trump, who happened to be in Scotland to dedicate a new golf course he owns there.

"But I really do see a parallel between what's happening in the United States and what's happening here," Trump told reporters from his Scotland golf course at a Friday press conference. "People want to see borders. They don't necessarily want people pouring into their country that they don't know who they are and where they come from. They have no idea."

While other observers of world developments lamented the British exit from the EU, Trump was quick to draw parallels to his own populist message — one that includes a proposed ban on Muslim and Mexican immigrants should he ascend to the presidency — that has resonated with his political base.

In a flurry of tweets about the EU exit, Trump's excitement got him muddled at one point, as he gleefully reported how fantastic it was that Scotland (where he happened to be at the time), had exited from the EU instead of England. Scotland actually voted to stay in the EU, by 20 points.

But, hey, tomato tumahto.

The point is that whole taking-the-country-back thing, he said in other tweets.

"What I like is that I love to see people take their country back," Trump said. "And that's really what's happening in the United States. I think it will be a good thing. You're taking your country back, you're going to let people that you want into your country, and people that you don't want, or people that you don't think are going to be appropriate for your country, or good for your country, you're not going to have to take."

Back in Texas, those in the secessionist camp were similarly giddy.

"We should move towards our sovereignty no matter the outcome," avers Phil McClellan on the Texit Facebook page. McClellan's vision of independence from the Union also foresees implications of the upcoming November election but with TNM's Miller as leader of a Texas nation.

"Also, if we want the movement to move forward, we must first realize that calling the movement leader the president is not a good public relations move," McClennan helpfully offers. "If Mr. Miller wishes to be taken seriously he must change his title to reflect he is a leader of a movement that wants the people to decide their destiny rather than look like a tyrant of a non-existent government."

Brian Docwra applauds his like-minded British counterparts: "Way to go Brits. You just put the Great back in Great Britain. Now, Texas, let's get rid of corrupt Washington D.C."

Naval Jack Morris rhapsodized: "What I would give ta [sic] see this happen in my lifetime."

This isn't the first time some Texans have flirted with the idea of seceding. Texas Nationalist Movement members actually secured the right to a vote on the matter at last month's Republican Convention in Dallas, although the proposal didn't pass.

State leaders have sometimes fanned the secessionist flames. In 2009, then-Texas Gov. Rick Perry hinted about the plausibility of a divorce from the Union given its disagreements with Washington. He made the comments to an enthusiastic Tea Party crowd in Austin.

"There's a lot of different scenarios," CNN and numerous other media outlets quoted Perry as saying at the rally. "We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we're a pretty independent lot to boot."

His words were later parsed, analyzed and broken down to determine if he was actually promoting the idea of seceding from the Union, with the verdict being that he wasn't really calling for secession. But his vague references were taken to heart among the break-from-the-Union crowd.

Now, this Brexit thing has re-energized the movement like never before. In the wake of Brexit, TNM members are soliciting pledges from followers to effect secession.

While the movement has its detractors on the page (the end of federal funding for much-needed infrastructure looming as a key post-secession concern), its followers are warming up to the idea.

"Our economy would jump exponentially if we didn't have to carry the other 49 states on our back," Scott Reynolds weighs in. "I said hell yes let's do this now."

So, could this actually happen? Watch this video, and judge for yourself: