True, but I think GP is arguing that in America, if there was a state that wanted to secede, there would be a pretty lively debate about the idea; it would not

True, but I think GP is arguing that in America, if there was a state that wanted to secede, there would be a pretty lively debate about the idea; it would not be a matter with a 90% opposition consensus as has been conjectured for the Chinese people with respect to Hong Kong. I can say as one data point if Alabama wanted to secede, I would probably be indifferent. I would likely be of the mind: "If that's what they want, fine." Edit: Also, a bit of a distinction that undercuts the premise of Hong Kong being similar to a US state secession: We've not onboarded any new states as recently as Hong Kong being reunified (to a limited degree) with China. We have used Alabama in this thread, but perhaps a better metaphor is Guam wanting to be free of American entanglements. Again, I would be indifferent.