Governor Abbott of Texas has declared that he can disobey the federal government in the name of Texas. He has also clearly echoed the manifestos of the secessionists of 1861.

The wrecker's supporters have been preparing for rebellion for over three years. They used violence on 6 Jan 2021, followed shortly thereafter by threats of violence against senators and their families. So I've been expecting an open confrontation sooner or later.

Better now than later!

The bullshitter's campaign strategy is to talk tough and defiant, giving the impression that he is "stronger." Biden tends to try to avoid sharp confrontation, which plays into the wrecker's hands.

Abbott's hint of secessionism gives Biden a chance to show that he is the stronger one.

For instance, he can federalize the Texas National Guard now, and order it to take down the barbed wire it has helped place at the border.

That would provide an opportunity to discharge immediately any guard member who refuses to obey that order. Showing that insurrectionists will not be tolerated will help keep the guard loyal in any future rebellion, both by expelling the disloyal and by reminding the loyal guard members of their duty to defend democracy against insurrection.