Texas Politician Says State is Preparing to Become 'Independent Nation' In Case Union 'Falls Apart'

A prominent Texas politician, who is running to be the state's next Attorney General, said this week his state is actively preparing to secede from the union and become an "independent nation" if the U.S. "falls apart."

Barry Smitherman, currently the Texas Railroad Commissioner, made the comments in an interview published in World Net Daily (WND) on Monday.

"Generally speaking, we have made great progress in becoming an independent nation, an ‘island nation’ if you will, and I think we want to continue down that path so that if the rest of the country falls apart, Texas can operate as a stand-alone entity with energy, food, water and roads as if we were a closed-loop system," Smitherman said.

Barry Smitherman. (Credit: YouTube)

He added that the state is "uniquely situated because we have energy resources, fossil and otherwise, and our own independent electrical grid."

“This was one of my goals at the Utility Commission and it is one my goals currently as chairman of the Railroad Commission," Smitherman said. "That’s why I stress so vehemently oil and gas production, permitting turnaround times, and everything that enables the industry to produce as much as it can, as quickly as it can."

Smitherman added in the interviewthat Texas has "been very strong leading in the charge agains the Obama administration."

The comments made by Smitherman have since been seized upon by liberal groups. Think Progress published an article covering his remarks on Friday.

Individuals commenting on the Think Progress article appeared happy over the thought of Texas seceding.

"Good. If Texas secedes, the nation will be better and Texas can enjoy it's sand and heat until the next hurricane hits the gulf, or the next firestorm, or the next tornado — with no help available," wrote commenter Marie Harris.

"Texas secession would guarantee no Republican is ever elected to the Presidency," wrote Roger Landes.

"don't let the door hit ya...." commented Patrick D Brumm.

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