Reflection 3: calexit—Life in the Independent Republic of California

For many, an independent nation of California has long been a dream. That dream inched a little closer to reality with the election of Donald Trump in 2016. Trump’s consistently antagonistic relationship with our state helped spur a Californian independence movement, commonly called “calexit.” That movement quieted with Biden's win in 2020, but with Trump's returned to office, it has sprung to life again. In fact, organizers hope to present voters with a secession option in 2028. In reality, a "yes" vote would be toothless, as state secession is unconstitutional. Still, it would be a dramatic vote of no-confidence in the US government. How would you feel about California leaving the Union to become an independent nation? Can you envision switching your citizenship from American to Californian?  What would we gain (and what would we lose) if a Republic of California came to be? Likewise, how would you feel about living in the state of Santa Clara or Riverside or Humboldt? Which counties (and cities) would be winners and losers if the state's 58 counties became states? Though it is not likely to happen anytime soon, if ever, speculate what life would be like as a citizen of the Republic of California?

Cite at least two of the following in your reflection:

• "What if California Seceded from the United States?" (CNN)
• "New 'Calexit' Bid for California Secession Approved for Signature Gathering in Effort to Put Measure on Ballot" (CBS News)
• "If California Split From the US and Became a Nation, It Would be Comparable to Canada" (CalMatters)
  
• "The Country of California? Is Secession Even Possible?" (USA Today)
• "Opinion: California Should Force Trump to Kick Us Out of Country" (VC Star)

Required:

• MLA Style, including works cited
• ≈ 500 words (2 pages)
  

Due: Fri 4.25 (via Canvas)