Secession: 1 in 4 Americans

Interesting poll results, from Reuters:

Some 23.9 percent of Americans polled from Aug. 23 through Sept. 16 said they strongly supported or tended to support the idea of their state breaking away, while 53.3 percent of the 8,952 respondents strongly opposed or tended to oppose the notion.

The urge to sever ties with Washington cuts across party lines and regions, though Republicans and residents of rural Western states are generally warmer to the idea than Democrats and Northeasterners, according to the poll.

Anger with President Barack Obama's handling of issues ranging from healthcare reform to the rise of Islamic State militants drives some of the feeling, with Republican respondents citing dissatisfaction with his administration as coloring their thinking.

...Falling public approval of the Obama administration, attention to the Scottish vote and the success of activists who accuse the U.S. government of overstepping its authority - such as the self-proclaimed militia members who flocked to Nevada's Bundy ranch earlier this year during a standoff over grazing rights - is driving up interest in secession, experts said.

"It seems to have heated up, especially since the election of President Obama," said Mordecai Lee, a professor of governmental affairs at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, who has studied secessionist movements.

I'd like Lee to explain why he believes secession talk has "heated up, especially since the election of President Obama."

Is it because Obama has screwed up so royally that more Americans like the idea of cutting ties with his massive, centralized government?

Has Obama's abuse of power really pushed that many people over the edge?

I hope Lee didn't intend to hint at what so many of his fellow Leftists routinely state, that opposition to Obama is rooted in racism.

It's completely unclear. Scott Malone, the writer of this Reuters story, doesn't explain. Lee's comment is just left hanging, with inadequate explanation.

Whatever, it is interesting that so many Americans like the idea of breaking away.

I can't imagine any state moving to secede. It wouldn't happen. It's silly to consider. Nevertheless, it is telling that so many people polled are so dissatisfied with the federal government, that the idea of secession is appealing.

I think the easiest way to secede would be to personally drop out. It's a very pleasant thought.