An Independent Nation of California

Re “And Arnold Could Be Its President ... ,” Commentary, Sept. 29: I really like Patt Morrison’s idea that California secede from the U.S. However, aside from some practical matters -- the intimidating task of writing and adopting a new constitution, new treaties to sign with Mexico, all those unemployed federal workers in West L.A. -- independence from the U.S. would bring one really big problem: Once we’re a sovereign nation, with our own nuclear program, a “strongman” at the helm and a populace that speaks a foreign language (Spanish), wouldn’t we become part of the “axis of evil”? Would the Cheney/Bush (Jeb or Laura by then) administration hesitate to invade and forcibly bring freedom to this rogue state?

Bruce Rhodewalt

La Quinta

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Though the story was just a whimsical jab at the incredible mess the Bush-led Washington GOP has made of the nation as a whole, it surely did sound appealing.

I would miss Pennsylvania, but it would be better to again live in a sane and honorable nation than one besmirched and defiled as ours has been after being hijacked by the current posse of zealots, thugs, thieves and extremists who pose as leaders in today’s GOP.

If Bush wins, or steals, another term, count me in as an immigrant to the New Bear Flag Republic!

Brandon Bittner

Royersford, Pa.

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Morrison’s suggestion that California leave the United States fails to give this idea the serious consideration that it deserves. Just like the collapse of the former Soviet Union was unthinkable almost up to the day it happened, California could initiate an improbable process that leads to the breakup of a country where the regions have little or nothing in common. Without California, the resulting Southern conservative domination of national politics would drive the New England, mid-Atlantic and West Coast states to likewise consider an independent course.

However, our state is the only one so favorably positioned economically, politically and geographically to be able to accomplish the task initially. But the very concept of leaving the U.S. cuts across the political spectrum.

To the liberals, it means that our tax dollars would no longer support the world’s largest political-defense-industrial complex that annually spends over half a trillion dollars stockpiling and supplying weapons to this year’s allies, which will be next year’s enemies.

To the conservatives it means that instead of getting 77 cents worth of benefits for every tax dollar we send to Washington, we could simply keep the buck.

So where do I sign the petition for a free and independent California?

Joel C. Koury

Santa Monica

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Now I’m not advocating for civil war, God forbid, but given the disdain with which California is held by Washington and the rest of the country, they might just be glad to see us go.

Steve Kang

Pasadena