AUSTIN — The Texas Nationalist Movement marked Texas Independence Day with a rally on Saturday at the Capitol urging Texans to save the state by seceding from the United States.

A small but enthusiastic group of Texans gathered on the steps of the Capitol, as an assortment of massive Texas flags blew above them in the chilly afternoon breeze.

Outrage was spread evenly toward Democrats and Republicans as leaders of the movement expressed their disgust for the growing national debt and the federal government's treatment of Texas.

"Texas can take better care of itself than Washington," said Lauren Savage, vice president of the movement. "We are here to raise interest in the Legislature of the possibility of secession to cure the ills of America."

Members are demanding that state lawmakers introduce a bill that would allow Texans to vote on whether to declare independence.

Fed up with federal mandates, the burden of unsustainable taxes and disregarded votes, members say secession has been a long time coming.

"This is a cake that's been baking for 85 years," said Cary Wise, membership director of the Texas Nationalist Movement. "All this administration has done is light the candles."

Demonstrators said they have had enough of state leaders who are conservative in rhetoric but big government proponents in reality, calling out GOP Gov. Rick Perry as one of the biggest frauds.

"I would love to debate Rick Perry live because we could once and for all show that the guy is a big government fraud who claims to be conservative," said Eric Kirkland, member of the Constitution Party of Texas.

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laklak wrote:We'd have club together and hire a coyote to smuggle you out 914, you'd be deep in enemy territory.

Weaver wrote: let them go and watch as they collapse. It would serve as a good example to the other idiots.

Well, you'd think so, anyways - but, apparently they didn't learn much from their last shot at secession.

locutus7 wrote:Yes, let them, and some of the other southern states, secede. It will raise the IQ of the rest of the country and get rid of a bunch of evangelicals. Wonder if that nationalist group accepts donations?

Timinane wrote:Did I read correctly.

To cure the ills of America, Texas must secede?

Do these guys realise they make it sound like Texas is the problem with America or are they that stupid to implicate themselves in ruining America.

AntonNym wrote:I say they should go for it. An independent Texas would be quite interesting, they could elect Palin as president. It would serve as a wakeup call for the rest of the US as soon as they see how things are getting even worse.

I'm not too familiar with Texas myself but if they are anything like the other independist groups i know i don't take them very seriously.

Mac_Guffin wrote:914, where would you go if Texas seceded? Would you stay?