What if... several or all of the US states become their own countries?

I'm sorry if this is in the wrong place, but... This topic arose on my regular chatroom. What if several or all of the US states become their own countries? I don't really know what'd happen, but I presume it'd screw the global economy more because most states/countries would just keep importing and never export anything.

Of course, this is all speculation. What do YOU think would happen?

I'd support the West Coast plus Hawaii and perhaps Nevada striking it out on their own. The long-term strategic objective? A Pacific-Canadian pact to annex Alaska and its oil: Manifest destiny'n'all.

edited 29th Aug '11 7:32:05 PM by SavageHeathen

You exist because we allow it and you will end because we demand it.

I'd stage a coup to seize power in Michigan, and then replace it's failing manufacturing economy with an economy of sin - booze, whores, and gambling galore!

But on topic, that's a tough question as it could spark inter-state wars. I'd wager it'd be bad.

edited 29th Aug '11 7:34:52 PM by MarkVonLewis

The Eastern seaboard would become an economic powerhosue, and polticis would be similar to Canadian politics. The region wouldn't be dragged down by red states.

edited 29th Aug '11 7:41:43 PM by Erock

If you don't like a single Frank Ocean song, you have no soul.

I tell ya, one benefit is all conservatives can congregate in their own states, moderates in their own, and liberals in their own states and people can stop bickering and fighting over dumb bullshit.

There are no moderate states, unfortunate.

If you don't like a single Frank Ocean song, you have no soul.

I'm certain once all the extremes and fringes of both left and right flock to their own states, there will be a lot of moderates.

The problem with that is once you get all people in separate groups, people within those groups will end up going to other parts of the spectrum out of necessity. There is also the fact that wouldn't solve anything and that one or the other would try to invade someone else.

Anyway, Texas would be fine. And probably take at least pars of New Mexico and Oklahoma with it. Maybe Louisiana and Arkansas since they're also direct neighbors. And... would have pretty much the same loud, redneck, horse riding reputation it does right now regardless of how true that isn't. Anyway, those states that don't really have anything to export would probably be taken over/try to join up with those states that did in order to not fall in to third world squalor.

Of course, the main problem with the US splitting into a bunch of factions is that eventually someone would try to take it over. Canada probably out of necessity, Mexico might just take the chance to regain territory, and who knows what Europe would do? Maybe try to form some sort of EU like organization over here through the UN? I dunno; if you wanted to make that mess in something functional it would probably require outside help.

edited 29th Aug '11 7:56:08 PM by AceofSpades

I live in a swing state, so not much would change here, but the country of New Hampshire would be the pinnacle of humanist civilization and I would have to hustle there before they were overwhelmed with immigrants.

Hail Martin Septim!

I'd gtfo out of here, let me tell you, before Conservatism *

becomes legally mandatory.

But they wouldn't, it could never happen. That's why the Civil War started.

Still Sheepin'

Truthfully all jokes aside, I think this would be a bad idea, as you know wars would be breaking out left and right.

I'd have no ideals to live for anymore, I guess.

I'd probably move to Canada or Britain and live whatever life I'd have left a miserable wreck.

The nation itself? Civil war. Nukes would likely fly. Probably would be a lot less Americans at the end...

I am now known as Flyboy.

Nukes? I doubt that whatever faction the Federal government (they are the only guys who can actually unlock the things, right?) remnants were part of would go as far to start hurling them around. Especially if they wanted to retake the breakaways down the road.

Politics is the skilled use of blunt objects.

I think it's possible if it's less like Civil War and more like the Revolution.

It might take some major shaking of the federal system. One possible requirement would be when several states decide to secede, the president follows them, along with sizable portion of the military loyal to the secession. The rest of the states would effectively be expelled from the country.

To balance things out, an international group (such as NATO nations) would have to back up the other side so that it can't be threatened.

Now I would imagine that the divide would be either north-south or east-west, because I don't see a completely inland United States. It would be at a disadvantage.

Now using Trivialis handle.

I imagine some other countries would rub their metaphorical hands with glee.

There would probably also be multitudes of asylum seekers trying to get into other places. I wonder what countries would let them in?

Be not afraid...

I would think that Canada might let some people in; doubly so if atrocities against certain groups started occuring. Though the border would likely become secured for the first time in history.

Politics is the skilled use of blunt objects.

New York has tried to secede from the Union for a while now, the latest one failing only by a couple votes.

When you remember that we are all mad, all questions disappear and life stands explained.

Wasn't it New York City trying to secede from New York State, not the US itself?

edited 30th Aug '11 12:09:49 AM by Jauce

Correct. It was mostly grandstanding or a call to attention. Basically NYC is tired of giving out $10+ billion dollars every year to the state that it's not getting back.

edited 30th Aug '11 12:29:24 AM by ForlornDreamer

If Texas became its own country, then Rick Perry would no longer be able to run for President.

...

I'm fine with that.

Would you kindly click my dragons?

We'd be steamrolled by Canada of all places.

Seriously, dissolving the federal government in its entirely means dissolving the military. Though actually, our military divided fifty ways is probably still bigger than the majority of countries out there.

Still: the individual states are unsustainable without one another. It'd be beyond catastrophic.

Wait: If NYC became its own state, would it get 2 senators? If so, would New York state remain blue enough to be a constant blue state? If so, wouldn't that increase the number of democratic senators by 2? :P

edited 30th Aug '11 12:49:10 AM by TheyCallMeTomu

Canada is only there until they do something we don't like.

Would you kindly click my dragons?

Insanity. There will be fighting sooner rather then later. Think of all the states with military bases and military assets.

Who watches the watchmen?

Oh shit-

Well, Texas has the GDP of Russia. That's 11th in terms of global GDP output.