Experts Say It's Impossible For Oklahoma To Secede From Union

Petitions for states to secede from the U.S. are getting tens of thousands of signatures. Many people say they're dissatisfied with the results of the presidential election. Oklahoma, where Mitt Romney won every county, is no exception.

The governor didn't entertain it, despite thousands of signatures, she simply said, "Oklahoma is not going to secede from the union."

But now, many Oklahomans are asking if it is possible. A political scientist and historian both say no.

President Barack Obama earned both the popular and Electoral College votes, but thousands are unsatisfied and say they want out of the nation.

One of the petitions was started by an Owasso couple, Matthew and Misty Morrison, who say they're fed up with the federal government. The idea has taken the nation by storm.

11/13/2012 Related Story: Owasso Couple Start Petition For Oklahoma To Secede From The U.S.

"We the people have the power to do things. We don't need the government," Misty said.

A page called "We the People" on the White House official Website lists states looking to secede, from California to Mississippi, and everywhere in between, at least 30 States, like Oklahoma.

"It's ridiculous, the states cannot secede. We saw that in 1865. Six hundred something thousand men lost their lives to prove that the union is indissoluble. It can't be done," Historian Bob Shalhope said.

How would secession work?

"It has got to be the federal government or congress saying it's okay, agreeing to it, but you know that is slim to none," Political Scientist Michael Hirlinger said.

"The power of secession is not a power reserved to the state. It's not worth discussing," Shalhope said.

But since thousands across the nation are discussing it, what would it take?

"File a petition to secede from union," Hirlinger said.

The heads of states would have to say yes.

"It's empty talk and rhetoric, nothing is going to come of it. It lets them blow off their emotions and blow off steam," Shalhope said.

Similar petitions were filed after the 2004 and 2008 elections. If a petition gets 25,000 signatures in a month, the White House will respond.

There are actually two petitions to allow Oklahoma to secede.