NEWS FEED
The Case for a Texas Vote on Self-Determination
Jon Bouché joins Daniel Miller on the Texas News podcast to discuss the importance of putting principles over politics.
September 25, 2025 | Media Inquiries: jon@bouchefortexas.com
Nearly everyone reading this can recite the Preamble to the United States Constitution by heart and many of you can probably even sing it, since it’s been ingrained in us since childhood.
In just one sentence of 52 words, the Preamble defines the values that bind Americans together: liberty, justice, unity, and responsibility for future generations. It also clearly spells out the purpose of our government, which makes it vital that we not only know the words, but truly understand their meaning.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Let’s break it down.
“We the People of the United States”
Declares that the authority of the Constitution comes directly from the people and not from kings, states, or legislatures and emphasizes popular sovereignty, meaning government derives its power from the consent of the governed.
“in Order to form a more perfect Union”
Acknowledges that the Articles of Confederation, which established the first U.S. government, were flawed and expresses the goal of creating a stronger, more unified nation where the states work together more effectively.
“establish Justice”
Refers to creating a fair legal system with equal application of laws for all citizens.
“insure domestic Tranquility”
Meant to prevent uprisings and unrest and expresses that the federal government is expected to maintain peace and stability within the nation’s borders.
“provide for the common defense”
Reflects the need for a unified military force to protect against foreign threats and invasion.
“promote the general Welfare”
Refers to creating conditions where citizens can thrive economically, socially, and physically.
“and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity”
Emphasizes protecting freedom not only for the current generation but also for future Americans.
“do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
A solemn declaration that the people authorize and adopt this new system of government.
Now, when we read the Preamble this way, breaking it down word by word, we must ask ourselves: how is our government performing in these areas? And more importantly, how should we respond when the federal government fails to fulfill its most basic duties?
The Purpose of our Government — The Declaration of Independence
The Founders spoke with clarity in the Declaration of Independence:
“Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government…”
This is not radical language. The very foundation of America itself is the belief that government exists to protect the life, liberty, and security of its people, and that when it fails, the people have the ultimate authority to seek remedies.
Federal Failures Texans Cannot Ignore
In recent years, Washington has abandoned that sacred duty:
When civil unrest swept across the nation during the last Administration, the federal government stood by while citizens were attacked, neighborhoods burned, and families grieved. Protection of life and property, a most basic duty of government, was neglected.
During the COVID pandemic, hardworking Texans were locked down, businesses shuttered, and families forced into hardship under federal mandates. At the very same time, the border was left wide open, with unvaccinated, undocumented immigrants allowed to cross freely. Federal agents even tore down barriers Texas put in place to defend its own communities.
Once here, those crossing illegally are provided medical care, housing, food, and education at taxpayer expense—all while Texas citizens were prevented from working, restricted from worship, and struggling to keep food on their own tables.
The Remedy of Self-Determination
The Founders gave us the framework: if government ceases to protect its citizens and instead burdens them, the people have the right and indeed the duty to demand change. For Texans, that means securing the ability to vote on our future. Not in anger, not in haste, but as a solemn exercise of the people’s right to self-determination.
This is not a call for reckless action. It is a call for accountability. Washington must be reminded that its authority comes not from force, but from the consent of free citizens. And if that consent is violated, the people must have the power to decide whether their liberty is best preserved inside or outside the Union.
In Closing
Let me be clear—I love my country and I love my state. I have willingly given my time and treasure to ensure our community is represented by honest and trustworthy representatives. And now I am running for office to serve the people of House District 16. My signing of the Texas Nationalist pledge only indicates that I would give Texans a choice to exercise their right to self-determination.
While I would certainly prefer that the Union endure and that the federal government honor its obligations under the Constitution, we cannot continue under a system that has not only abdicated its responsibilities, but at times shown open hostility toward the very citizens it was created to serve. For Texans, the first step is clear: we must establish within our own Constitution a process that secures the people’s right to vote on their future.
Providing a final option for Texas to vote on independence is rooted in principle, not hostility. It is about ensuring that government remains the servant of the people, never their master. As the Declaration of Independence reminds us, when any government becomes destructive of the ends of liberty, safety, and prosperity, the people have the right to seek a new course.