The most bloody conflict in American history was fought when states decided to turn their backs on our Constitution and form their own governments. 620,000 American soldiers died to decide on the issue of secession, and we are still feeling the results of that conflict in the modern era. You can see it in the racist Twitter comments, the bitter divisiveness during elections, the disparity in infrastructure and education, and even the Confederate flags some wear.
I propose we give United States history textbooks to those who are petitioning for secession after the results of the last election. This will educate them on what it means to be a citizen in our democracy as well as what secession could do to them and to the nation.
We are one United States, and it is time to act like it.