What in the world is wrong with folks in Alaska (or anywhere for that matter) wanting to succeed? When Southern Americans realized that an oppressively large central government wished to rule States, they banded together as a new government. The North who wanted a large centralized nanny government wouldn't stand for it. This resulted in a horrible war that killed thousands upon thousands. Some of us still wish for a small Federal government that binds the States together rather than rule. The war still rages and it's over ideology. If Alaska ever breaks free, they can count on me adjusting to the cold very quickly. Also, they will never have to hand me a welfare check either.