Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other

California’s Path to Independence? A Conversation about CalExit with Marcus Ruiz Evans

2025-02-11

In this episode, host Corey Nathan engages in a timely and candid discussion with Marcus Ruiz Evans, the leader of the CalExit movement. Marc has been spearheading efforts to make California an independent nation for over a decade, publishing California’s Next Century 2.0 in 2012. With the California Secretary of State recently approving a petition to start collecting signatures for an independence initiative, this conversation is more relevant than ever. Marc provides historical context, legal perspectives, and the strategic steps r...

In this episode, host Corey Nathan engages in a timely and candid discussion with Marcus Ruiz Evans, the leader of the CalExit movement. Marc has been spearheading efforts to make California an independent nation for over a decade, publishing California’s Next Century 2.0 in 2012.

With the California Secretary of State recently approving a petition to start collecting signatures for an independence initiative, this conversation is more relevant than ever. Marc provides historical context, legal perspectives, and the strategic steps required to potentially break away from the United States.

📌 What We Discuss

✔️ Why California is a donor state—giving more to the federal government than it receives in return.
✔️ The legal and historical precedents for secession and why Marc believes it’s possible.
✔️ The step-by-step process of the CalExit initiative and how Californians can participate.
✔️ How political polarization and federal neglect are fueling the movement.
✔️ What happens if California becomes independent—from military bases to tax changes.

⏳ Episode Highlights & Key Moments

🕒 [00:02:00] – Marcus shares his personal story and deep ties to California’s culture and identity.
🕒 [00:08:00] – Why California’s infrastructure and social programs are underfunded despite its economic power.
🕒 [00:12:00] – Historical precedents: California’s brief history as an independent nation and lessons from Scotland’s independence movement.
🕒 [00:22:00] – The federal government’s treatment of California, including disaster relief neglect.
🕒 [00:31:00] – The current CalExit initiative: How to sign the petition and what it aims to achieve.
🕒 [00:39:00] – Would Congress allow California to secede? The politics behind the decision.
🕒 [00:43:00] – What would independence look like? Tax benefits and regulatory changes for businesses.
🕒 [00:47:00] – The growing divide in America and why the U.S. is as politically polarized as it was after the Civil War.

💬 Featured Quotes

🗣️ “California has been a donor state for over 45 years. We give more than we get, and we’re funding infrastructure for states that are already better off than us.” – Marcus Ruiz Evans

🗣️ “When the president of the United States tells California ‘I don’t know if I want to help you’ while people’s homes are burning, that’s not how you treat fellow countrymen.” – Marcus Ruiz Evans

🗣️ “The federal government stopped publishing reports on which states are donor states right after Governor Schwarzenegger called out the unfair system.” – Marcus Ruiz Evans

🗣️ “The legal claim that secession is impossible is false—Texas v. White actually allows it with the consent of Congress.” – Marcus Ruiz Evans

📚 Resources & Links Mentioned

🔗 Sign the Petition & Learn More – CalExitNow.org
📖 California’s Next Century 2.0 by Marcus Ruiz Evans
📚 The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America Is Tearing Us Apart by Bill Bishop
📺 Marcus Ruiz Evans on YouTube
📜 Texas v. White – The Supreme Court case discussing secession legality

📢 Call to Action

✅ If you support the initiative, sign the petition at CalExitNow.org
✅ Call your state legislators to request a Blue Ribbon Panel investigation into California’s independence.
✅ Follow us on YouTube – @PoliticsAndReligion
✅ Share this episode with fellow Californians and join the conversation.

🔗 Connect with Us on Social Media

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