Latest news with #FreeCalifornia
Ya Libnan
3 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
Calexit or common ground? Why California and America must move beyond the Trump-Newsom clash
Calls for California to secede from The United States increased following the feud between Governor Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump over the deployment of thousands of National Guards in Los Angeles By Vlad Green , Op-ED The idea of California seceding from the United States has resurfaced with a vengeance, driven by hashtags like #Calexit and #FreeCalifornia that have trended nationally following recent clashes between Governor Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump. As tensions flare over immigration enforcement and National Guard deployments, some Californians — frustrated by what they see as federal overreach — have again floated the notion of breaking away from the Union. But while the idea of Calexit may be good fodder for social media and late-night talk shows, it distracts from the deeper issues facing California and the nation: political division, economic uncertainty, and the urgent need for practical solutions that actually help people. California's economy is enormous — the largest in the United States and the fourth largest in the world if it were a separate nation. It's home to some of the planet's most valuable companies, top universities, and a diverse, dynamic population that embodies the American Dream. Yet even in this powerhouse state, many Californians feel left behind, struggling with housing costs, homelessness, and an immigration system that needs reform. These are not problems that can be solved by hashtags or by political theater. They require collaboration, not conflict. Unfortunately, the Trump-Newsom feud has often deepened the divide. President Trump famously dubbed Newsom 'Newscum,' while Newsom has relished taking shots at Trump's policies, even vowing to 'Trump-proof' California. This dynamic may generate headlines, but it does little to solve real problems. Instead, it reinforces the notion that California is at odds with the rest of America — an idea that fuels talk of secession. But let's be clear: Calexit is neither legal nor practical. The Supreme Court settled this question after the Civil War, ruling in Texas v. White that states cannot unilaterally secede. More importantly, secession would upend California's trade, defense, and economy, hurting the very people who are already struggling. What California — and America — needs now is a bridge, not a break. We need leaders who can look beyond personal rivalries and forge partnerships that get things done. Whether it's immigration reform, wildfire prevention, or building affordable housing, these challenges won't be solved by blue states and red states battling it out. They require a commitment to dialogue, respect, and compromise. Gavin Newsom has a responsibility to work constructively with federal authorities — no matter who occupies the White House. Likewise, Donald Trump — and every president after him — has a responsibility to treat California not as an enemy but as an integral part of the American family. California's story has always been one of reinvention and resilience. Let's not let the rhetoric of secession overshadow that legacy. Instead, let's choose unity over division and partnership over partisanship. In the end, that's the only way forward — for California and for America.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Los Angeles protests spark renewed calls for California independence, but is secession really possible?
Mass protests in Los Angeles have reignited online calls for California to break away from the United States—an idea that has periodically gained traction in moments of national crisis but has never advanced beyond the fringes. This time, outrage flared after President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the city following a series of aggressive ICE raids that led to the arrest of dozens of undocumented immigrants. The demonstrations quickly escalated, and many Californians took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice support for the state's secession from the U.S., with hashtags like #Calexit and #FreeCalifornia trending nationally. Ballot Measure for Secession Earlier this year, a renewed push for California's independence was formally cleared to begin signature gathering. The proposal, spearheaded by Fresno activist Marcus Evans, seeks to place a question on the 2028 state ballot: Should California become an independent country? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 5 Dividend Stocks for May 2025 Seeking Alpha Read Now Undo — eeldenden (@eeldenden) The initiative, approved by the California Secretary of State's Office, must collect over 545,000 valid signatures from registered voters by July 22, 2025, to qualify for the ballot. Live Events However, even if voters say yes, independence wouldn't be automatic. According to Fox News, the measure would establish a 20-member commission tasked with studying the feasibility of California becoming a sovereign nation. The measure would also serve as a symbolic "vote of no confidence" in the United States—without immediately altering California's current government structure or its legal relationship with the federal government. — Ma_WuKong (@Ma_WuKong) Ultimately, full secession would require a U.S. constitutional amendment, needing approval from two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of U.S. states—a near-impossible bar in the current political landscape. What the Law Says California's existing state constitution explicitly affirms its unity with the nation. Article III, Section 1 reads: 'The State of California is an inseparable part of the United States of America.' This legal language, combined with federal precedent, makes any unilateral attempt at secession effectively symbolic unless supported by the broader U.S. legal and political system. President Trump, in a post on X, earlier on Sunday accused protesters of trying to 'sabotage federal deportation operations,' referring to them as 'violent, insurrectionist mobs.' — YooglyZoogly (@YooglyZoogly) He further alleged that Los Angeles has been 'invaded and occupied by illegal aliens and criminals' and ordered Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi to coordinate a federal response aimed at restoring order. 'Order will be restored, the illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free,' Trump declared, adding that these 'lawless riots only strengthen our resolve.' As protests continue, California finds itself once again at the crossroads of federal power and state identity. While talk of independence may be fueled by frustration and symbolism, the legal path to secession remains long, uncertain—and legally improbable. Can California Constitutionally Secede? According to American Historical Association, there is no provision in the US Constitution for secession. "The Constitution of the United States provides that it may be amended, and prescribes how this may be done, but it does not, as it exists now, contemplate its own destruction, nor a dissolution of the Government of which it is the living evidence. Constitutionally, there can be no such thing as secession of a State from the Union," it stated.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Belza campaigning for 3rd District Assembly
Courtesy photo Marysville resident Dom Belza has announced his run for California's Third District assembly seat. Belza, a registered Republican, said since his bid for the Assembly seat, he has received a 'groundswell of local support.' A fourth-generation North State resident, Belza and his wife, Julia, have four children. In his professional life, Belza is an agricultural business owner and he previously served on the Marysville City Council. In addition, for the past 19 years he has worked as a realtor and businessman, investing in and selling agricultural and commercial properties. Belza founded a conservative grassroots political action committee, 'Free California,' to address statewide issues he believes affects the North State, such as illegal immigration, tax reform, public safety, parental rights, and other pressing challenges. As a fourth-generation Yuba County resident, Belza said he believes in extending family roots into the community and building a strong foundation for future generations. This dedication motivates Belza's volunteer work through his church, local service groups, and industry organizations. According to Belza's campaign, he has received endorsements from incumbent Third District Assemblymember James Gallagher, who is serving his final term, Oroville Mayor David Pittman, Vice Mayor Eric Smith, and council members Shawn Webber and Scott Thomson. Adding to that list is Chico Mayor Kasey Reynolds. For a complete list of Belza's endorsement and for more information, go online to The next statewide primary election will be June 2, 2026.
