Ron Paul on Secession - the Confederate South Was Right!
"you're not truly free if you can't secede..."
A Forgotten Question About Liberty, Self-Government, and the American Union
Dear Friends,
I’ve attached a short video featuring some of Ron Paul’s most thought-provoking comments on secession, self-government, and liberty.
Before watching, consider a question rarely discussed today:
Would America have disappeared if the South had won the War Between the States?
Many assume the answer is yes. Yet an alternative view argues that the result may have been a different kind of American union—one built more explicitly upon state sovereignty and limited central authority.
For those interested in exploring that possibility, I highly recommend:
Confederation: A Federal Union With Teeth
https://www.watchman.report/p/confederation-a-federal-union-with
The article examines the distinction between a centralized national government and a confederation of sovereign states, arguing that a stronger federal compact does not necessarily require a stronger centralized bureaucracy. Whether one agrees or disagrees, it offers an important perspective often absent from modern discussions.
This theme is closely related to Ron Paul’s observations about secession and the right of self-government.
Among his most notable statements:
“Secession is a deeply American principle. This country was born through secession.”
“If a people cannot secede from an oppressive government, they cannot truly be considered free.”
“The issue of leaving is the key to whether or not we live in a free society.”
“Jefferson just assumed, most of the founders assumed, that anybody who wanted to leave could leave.”
These remarks challenge us to revisit questions that were once openly debated by Americans of every political persuasion:
What is the true source of governmental authority?
Does political consent include the right to withdraw consent?
Is self-government meaningful if separation is never permitted?
How much power should reside in Washington versus the states?
For additional historical perspective, readers may also enjoy:
The Confederacy’s Broader Vision: A Constitutional Union of All Sovereign States
https://celticorthodoxy.com/2025/07/the-confederacys-broader-vision-a-constitutional-union-of-all-sovereign-states/
Watch the Video
Ron Paul on Secession, Confederacy, and “South Was Right?”
https://rumble.com/v7bfapk-ron-paul-on-secession-confederacy-and-south-was-right.html
Original Sources
CBS News: Ron Paul on Secession
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ron-paul-secession-deeply-american/
Video: Secession and Liberty – Ron Paul
Whether one ultimately agrees with Ron Paul or not, his challenge remains worth considering:
“The issue of leaving is the key to whether or not we live in a free society.”
I hope you enjoy the video and the discussion it encourages.
This and many more topics are covered by our fellowship Group: Celto-Saxon Confederation – Christian Heritage & Confederative Studies.
Blessings,
Rev Dr Stephen M.K. Brunswick
St. Andrew’s OCC https://st-andrewsocc.org
Watchman News https://watchman.news
P.S. If you find the video thought-provoking, please share it with others interested in American history, constitutional government, federalism, and the principles of liberty.
You may also wish to share this MEME found below that cites these top quotes of Dr Paul:
