To heck with Texas

 As the columnist Leonard Pitts recently observed ("Threats of Secession," PG, April 23), it was borderline traitorous for Texas Gov. Rick Perry to suggest at a "teabag" protest that Texas might secede if people like himself aren't placated by Washington.

"When we came into the Union in 1845," he said, "one of the issues was that we would be able to leave if we decided to do that. My hope is that America, and Washington in particular, pay attention. We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, who knows what may come of that?"

This is idiocy, of course, and highly offensive idiocy at that. Tens of thousands of lives were lost to keep this nation together, and the smallest child who visits Gettysburg gets the point that this gubernatorial goof does not.

On the other hand, who the heck needs Texas anyway? What good has ever come out of it? Big hair for the gals? Texas Hold 'Em? I say we could fold 'em and let them take the Texas Two-Step with them.

If they left, we could all be happy. They could execute people every 10 minutes. They could brag to themselves, bragging being their major talent. They could cheer George W. Bush to their heart's content (which they do anyway). Best of all, they wouldn't be able to send anymore of their dubious politicians to occupy the White House. We all win!

If Texas leaves, can it take Alaska with it? I'm sure Sarah Palin's husband wouldn't mind.