Secession Petition Movement Gets Response From White House: 'Our States Remain United'

The White House responded to a handful of "We the People" petitions calling for the government to allow some states to secede, saying "our states remain united."

"In a nation of 300 million people -- each with their own set of deeply-held beliefs -- democracy can be noisy and controversial. And that's a good thing," writes Jon Carson, Director of the Office of Public Engagement. "Free and open debate is what makes this country work, and many people around the world risk their lives every day for the liberties we often take for granted. But as much as we value a healthy debate, we don't let that debate tear us apart."

Secession fever hit after President Barack Obama was reelected in November. The petition movement quickly caught on, and by Nov. 14, residents in all 50 states had filed "We the People" petitions.

The movement even caught on with one Texas GOP official, who called for an "amicable divorce" from the U.S.

"Why should Vermont and Texas live under the same government?" wrote Peter Morrison, treasurer of the Hardin County Republican Party. "Let each go her own way."

Click here to read the full White House response.