It might be pointed out that secession was not all a southern idea. Think back to the war of 1812 and how the nation nearly split.

In his book "Deo Vindice" Col. R.W.P. Patterson provides the thought that Maine was believed by Britain as being ready to secede and again become part of the British Empire. If y'all want an exact quote and reference I'll try to dig the book out and look.

It might also be noted that the idea of secession was apparently OK with T.R. Roosevelt during the efforts to build the Panama Canal.

It shouldn't surprise us as Americans. Our nation was born from what England would still call a rebellion and secession from the Crown was part of it.