TE>That treaty was never in effect.  The U.S. Congress never
TE>ratified the silly thing; therefore it is null and void.  Mike
TE>can rant and rave all he wants about the "Imaginary" Repoublic of
TE>Texas, it doesn't exist.
 
      Both houses of Congress, in joint session, voted to approve the
annexation of Texas under the terms of the Treaty of Annexation and
that resolution was signed by the President of the United States. 
Texas, then, agreed to become an American state under condition of
those terms.  If, as you suggest, our treaty with the United States is
not in force, then any American claim to Texas is without legal
foundation and the legitiment constitution of Texas is the Constitution
of 1836, that of the Republic of Texas.
      Oddly enough, both you and members of the provisional government
of the Republic of Texas are using the same argument to support your
positions and I am in the unusual position of disagreeing with both of
you.  While I do have concerns over the contradictions that led to the
creation of the state constitution of 1876 that is the currently
recognized state constitution, I do recognize that Texas is an American
state and subject to the Consitution of the United States.  
     If Texans are to ever exercise the right of self-government, a
proposition which I do support, that exercise must be in compliance
with the law.  In 1868 the U.S, Supreme Court defined the terms by
which Texas could separate itself for the American union in the
decision White vs. Texas.  It is not, nor should it be, an easily
accomplished task and it is entirely contingent upon both a strong
desire on the part of the people of Texas and consent of a majority f
the American states.  
     Personally, I oppose any avenue that would defy either the United
States Constitution or the will of the people of Texas and since
neither condition, at present, is present, I do not advocate acts
contrary to either.   Violent acts, such as those we recently withessed
in West Texas, are out of the question and entriely uncalled for.
     At this time, though I am a supporter of the proposition of
restoration of our national soverignty, my support is expressed only by
a desire to enter into a discussion, within Texas, of the feasibility,
viability, and desirability of pursuing a lawful, peaceful, and
political separation. 
 
                                            /\/\ike Angwin
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