#Calexit distracts from our state’s golden opportunity

A secession movement has taken hold in the media, made its intentions known on billboards, and begun planning a referendum.

Many Californians are renewing objections to how America’s outdated 18th century governing system, from the Electoral College to the U.S. Senate, works against California’s interests.

Last week, I was constantly asked about the possibility of California’s independence while running a global forum on democracy.

Basques said they’ve sustained their effort because of a political culture that prizes stubbornness, protecting the nation’s distinctive culture, and a willingness to fight.

Nations are defined by common descent, history, language or culture, but Californians pride ourselves on the lack of shared history that makes us so diverse.

We’d have to battle Congress and other states to get their support if we wanted to leave peacefully, and we’d certainly have to take more than our share of America’s debts with us.

Do you really think a country as violent and war-prone as the United States would let its greatest province exit without a fight? (Just ask the Confederate States of America).

While Hillary Clinton won California by 29 points and more than 3.5 million votes, one-third of California voters cast ballots for Trump — an uncomfortably large Fifth Column.

Taking on an independence war of choice makes no sense when we already face so many other consequential fights?

Contest every incursion of the Orange-Haired Empire, while carefully avoiding rhetoric or actions that lead to greater conflict or violence.

[...] we must relentlessly urge them to change their minds, and assure them that when they realize their nationalist path is mistake, we will welcome them back, like the sanctuary we’ve always been.