The Rick Perry Secession Myth-He Never Advocated Secession

One claim that has been pushed by progressives is that Rick Perry suggested that Texas secede from the union.  Like many many progressive memes, that simply is not the truth but a liberal spin on what came out of the Texas governor's mouth.

The rumors began with a grain of truth, after a tea party rally in 2009, Perry said

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, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we're a pretty independent lot to boot."

He started by saying We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. He never said Texas wants to pull out, or that he wants Texas to pull out. Anybody who says anything different is just plain lying. 

Read the full exchange Perry had with Reporter Associated Press reporter Kelley Shannon:

Shannon: Some have associated you with the idea of secession or sovereignty for your state.
Perry: I think there’s a lot of different scenarios. Texas is a unique place. When we came in the union in 1845, one of the issues was that we would be able to leave if we decided to do that.

You know, my hope is that America and Washington in particular pays attention. We’ve got a great union. There is absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what may come out of that? But Texas is a very unique place and we’re a pretty independent lot to boot.

A report by they liberal leaning Fact Check.org points to another incident drummed up by some liberals

Some Perry critics have also pointed to another statement from Perry, this time to a group of tech bloggers taking a tour of his Capitol offices the month before the tea party interview. At one point, according to audio posted on YouTube, Perry tells the group, "When we came into the nation in 1845, we were a republic. We were a stand-alone nation. And one of the deals was, we can leave any time we want. … So we're kind of thinking about that again."

The line was met with laughter, suggesting it was not meant as a serious position statement.

"You do that and I'll move in!" someone is heard to joke back, to more laughter.

A year after the AP interview Perry was asked by Newsweek about  the incident:

 Exactly one year ago today you were on the steps of Austin City Hall, talking about the possibility of secession.

I said that we live in an incredibly wonderful country, and I see absolutely no reason for that to ever happen. But I do understand people's concern and anger about what this administration is doing from an economic standpoint—in particular, the long-term debt that's being created for not only them but for future generations.

 As Rick Perry becomes a more formidable candidate for President there may arise many reasons to vote for him or not, but advocating secession should not weigh in on your vote either way.  The truth is that was decided by the Civil War, and Perry has never advocated Texas leave the United States.