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I contest that the same state pride exists in California. Which was coincidentally its own country before a state. California doesn't think about succeeding because many Californians (including me) believe strongly that the United States wouldn't be a prosperous country without it.
Read more: http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/tilted-...#ixzz0oo4rrZj5
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Having lived in California (El Centro Valley), I would have to disagree. How many Californians do you know that have tattoos of the state, state flag, or state symbols? I can't even count my friends with both hands and feet. You see "Texas Born and Bred" or "Wasn't born here, but got here as soon as I could", and similar sayings as bumper stickers/shirts/etc. Finally, ask Californians if they consider themselves Californians or Americans first... here you would find probably half see themselves as Texas first.
Don't get me wrong, California is a great place and they do have state pride. It's the most wealthy state and include some of the best landmass in the continent. There's plenty to feel pride about, and many do. However trust me when I say I haven't seen state pride on the same level anywhere else in the US.
Finally... California was not a country before it was a state. Three dozen people making a flag and declaring themselves a country does not a country make. They had no real standing army, no tax system, no governmental departments, etc. It was simply a group of settlers who tried to push forward the dream of Manifest Destiny. If you want evidence, simply look at the rules in state vs. US flag. Texas is the only flag allowed to fly on the same height as the US flag as it was the only independent country to willingly join. Incidentally, Texas is also the only state which can legally secede.. written in treaty while joining the Union.