The Drain 010 - California Independence, with Coyote Marin of the Independent California Institute

Did you know that California recently passed Japan as the fourth largest economy in the world? It's true. Even within the US, our state is a powerhouse, comprising 1/7 of the US economy. In fact, California put $83 billion more into the country in taxes in 2022 than we received in programs and benefits. That's what we call a donor state. Add all of that to Washington, D.C. spiraling deeper into fascism every day, and it's worthwhile asking if the people of California would be better off on their own. Today we're joined by Coyote Codornices Marin, executive director of the Independent California Institute, a think tank exploring the notion of a sovereign California and educating the public on its potential benefits to Californios. Last year, the ICI conducted a poll with YouGov on California sentiment on a path toward independence, and the results were stark: - 61% of Californians said we’d be better off if California peacefully seceded from the U.S - 77% said California should control its state borders “like a country" - 66% supported creating a permanent state commission to help California gain more autonomy from the federal government - 63% supported using “hardball tactics” in the U.S. House, such as refusing to pass a budget, to gain greater autonomy for California - 60% supported a state policy of “total non-cooperation” with ICE if Trump deports long-term California residents with no criminal record - 59% said California should create a new law enforcement division focused on hate crimes and extremism Remember, this poll was conducted BEFORE Trump got back into the White House. We run the gamut with Coyote in this episode, learning more about the ICI, the arguments for California autonomy, historic precedents throughout history, and what needs to happen to achieve actual independence (hint: a lot). You may have seen friend-of-the-Drain Raheem Hosseini’s piece on a Dumpster-fire named Louis Marinelli and the shitstorm he created in the CalExit movement. We discuss that briefly on this one, but were more interested in the work at ICI, who aren't affiliated with Marinelli. And don't you fret, Drain Babies, for Kempa and Palma will be diving deeper into Marinelli's quackery very soon. Want to learn more about the movement for California secession? Here are some places to start: Visit their website: https://ic.institute/ Sign the petition to get California independence on the 2028 ballot (not affiliated with the ICI, but worth checking out): https://calexitnow.org/petition Follow the ICI on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ic.institute Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Chisme? Email us at [email protected]. And subscribe to our Patreon for future premium Friday episodes of The Plug. Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social