Nov 24, 2012 4 min read

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, will react in the most shortsighted fashion possible and break away from this tyrannical republic, because (insert name of petitioner’s state here) is well-equipped to stand on its own since our candidate lost the presidential election.”

That statement should perhaps serve as a guiding preamble to the seemingly hottest trend in the country – secession of states from the United States. In the wake of the election, people in Mississippi and the other 49 states have filed petitions asking that their states be allowed to peacefully secede from the union. Some have gotten at least 25,000 signatures, which would require an official response from the White House.

That response should be: This is ridiculous. Because we all know how it went when states last seceded in 1861 to 1865. At least the petitioners this time aren’t calling for a revolution.

Eric B. of Picayune launched Mississippi’s petition two days after the election. He writes that Mississippi should be allowed to withdraw from the U.S. “and create its own NEW governmen (sic).”

True, the effort to break away likely will easily fail. But the fact that the thought of succession has gotten this much traction is more than a bit alarming.

States like Mississippi need federal dollars and support for a host of quality-of-life issues. That, of course, would go away with secession. The state would have to rummage through its already bare-bones coffers to offer the range of services the federal government provides in the state now.

But as for secession talk, we don’t need two Americas. The Civil War should have been a resounding reminder of that. Even if it means passionate yet constructive disagreement, or your party not always winning every election or majority in Congress, we are much stronger, and always will be, as one America.

As hard as it is to believe, Christmas is just around the corner.

As much as this time of year is about family, spirituality, food and celebrations, it’s also the time of year that charities – many of which have been hit by the recession – receive a big portion of their annual contributions.

Unfortunately, it’s also the time when scammers have the best chance of pulling off money-making schemes by playing on a person’s emotions.

But there are ways you can ensure that the money you donate goes to a place where it will help. The Better Business Bureau, which has its BBB Wise Giving Alliance, has some suggestions that donors would do well to consider before writing that check.

First, when making a donation, write a check made out to the organization to which you are contributing.

Second, don’t let a name fool you. Many times scammers will use a name that is similar to the name of a legitimate charitable organization.

Third, check out the organization to which you are contributing.

With incumbent President Barack Obama beating his Republican challenger Mitt Romney to win a second term in the White House, the hullabaloo surrounding the presidential election in the United States finally drew to an end.

While he could blame the global financial crisis and the mess left by his predecessor for the U.S.’ woes during his first term in office, he will not be able to do that now. He will have to redouble his efforts over the next four years if he is to fix the country’s ailing economy, create more jobs and bring government spending down.

Despite all the rhetoric he used to bash China in his presidential campaign, Obama needs to handle U.S. relations with China in a more mature and rational way now that he is ensconced in the White House.

After all, growing and healthy ties cater to the interests of both countries and to the rest of the world.