Baja, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind

by David Safier

I went to Drinking Liberally last night to hear Paul Eckerstrom talk about the Southern Arizona separation/secession movement. [Note: Though AZ Blue Meanie is right, "separation" is the more correct term, I still like "secession," so I'm using it.] Eckerstrom and his fellow secessionistas have thought this out carefully, complete with historical precedent. For instance, did you know Maine was part of Massachussetts until it decided to separate? Neither did I.

The story has legs. It got front page coverage in the Star, and apparently the Wall Street Journal is picking it up. I expect more national outlets to follow.

You may have seen a Howie Fischer article in today's Star about the progress of the nullification bill in the legislature, which Eckerstrom said was the tipping point. With that bill, Russell Pearce and his followers declared themselves traitors to the U.S. who are not bound by the federal rule of law. The push for Baja Arizona, from that standpoint, is an assertion of loyalty to our country.

The article mentions that Sen. Paula Aboud offered an amendment to the bill saying, once it takes effect, Pima County should begin actions toward secession.

Sen. Paula Aboud, D-Tucson, chose not to try to block SB 1433, which has strong Republican support, including that of Senate President Russell Pearce.

Instead, she sought to amend it to say the moment this law takes effect, the Pima County Board of Supervisors "may act to have the county secede from the jurisdiction of this state."

Aboud said Pima County residents really do want to remain part of Arizona.

"But we don't want to be part of this state that continues to embarrass Arizona," she said. "The point is, our business community is hurting because of the reactions brought upon by this body.

When I heard about this a few days ago, I was sure it was a coordinated effort. Eckerstrom says no, that Aboud's move was independent of his. It sounds like this is one of those ideas that has been in the air for a long time, and its moment has arrived.