Blake asks: “What is the plan to get mass adoption of Texas independence, and what scares Texans most about the movement that they misunderstand?”
Blake, this is one of the most important questions we receive, and the answer reveals both the sophistication of our approach and some surprising truths about where Texans actually stand on independence.
The Mass Adoption Strategy: Science Meets Grassroots
TNM President Daniel Miller has developed a comprehensive strategy based on diffusion of innovation theory and tipping point research. This isn’t guesswork—it’s a proven framework that explains how new ideas spread through populations and reach critical mass between 10-25 percent adoption.
Our strategy operates across four primary channels. Digital outreach uses targeted campaigns across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X to reach different demographics with compelling content including videos, articles, and infographics. Traditional media engagement involves strategic press releases, spokesperson training, and op-eds to explain TEXIT to broader audiences. Community engagement includes county events, rallies, educational seminars, and door-to-door canvassing for direct personal contact. Political engagement focuses on voter registration, candidate recruitment, and securing the “Texas First Pledge” from candidates.
The cornerstone principle is “Each One Teach One”—creating exponential growth by having each person reached become an advocate who then reaches others. Miller calls this “Always Be Connecting,” emphasizing the continuous networking aspect of movement building.
Recent polling shows we’re making significant progress. Newsweek reported in 2024 that 26 percent of Texans would vote for independence, while a SurveyUSA poll revealed 66% of likely Texas voters desire independence. When framed as Texas becoming an independent republic rather than “secession,” support jumps to 33 percent—indicating that messaging matters tremendously.
What Actually Scares Texans: Myths vs. Reality
Here’s where most people get it wrong, Blake. Miller’s extensive research through Coffee Talk sessions and direct engagement reveals that Texans are not fundamentally scared of the independence movement. Instead, they are “by and large not familiar enough with it.”
Back in 2005, many Texans weren’t even aware that independence was a possibility—they knew they disliked the federal system but didn’t realize there was an option to change it. The nature of questions has shifted dramatically from fundamental objections to practical post-independence specifics: currency, military, governance structures. This shift indicates that people have “effectively accepted the premise in their minds that it is in fact possible.”
The fears that do exist are often what Miller calls “unfounded and unwarranted,” frequently stemming from media manipulation and opposition tactics. The most common concern involves what TNM calls “Project Fear”—claims that independence means “Grandma doesn’t get her Social Security and we want Grandma to die in a ditch.
This fear is actually backwards. Texas overpays into the federal system and would keep that money locally, making benefit payments more secure, not less. The biggest threat to seniors comes from the federal government itself, which is essentially insolvent and has admitted these programs are broke.
Some Texans worry about triggering civil war, but this concern ignores the legal precedents for peaceful independence established by Scotland’s 2014 referendum, Bougainville’s 2019 referendum, South Sudan’s 2011 referendum, and Montenegro’s 2006 referendum. These examples show that negotiated, authorized referendums followed by international recognition create lasting independence without violence.
The Real Barrier: Information, Not Fear
Miller emphasizes there’s “no real antidote for fear except knowledge.” The main barrier isn’t terror—it’s that people are “shut down because of fear of the US government” when trying to discuss TEXIT, combined with simple unfamiliarity with the actual process and benefits.
Among Texans who are engaged, 44% believe Texas could succeed as an independent nation, indicating that resistance often stems from attachment to the US rather than doubts about Texas viability. Support is higher among Trump 2020 voters (36%) compared to Biden voters (11%), with 45% of Texans agreeing states should be allowed to secede if a majority votes for it.
Reaching the Tipping Point
TNM has undergone a major organizational restructure specifically designed to strengthen grassroots presence across all Texas counties. We’re actively seeking county organizers to build local teams capable of driving TEXIT forward at the community level, recognizing that lasting political change must be built from the ground up.
The strategy emphasizes education as foundational—informing Texans about the benefits, legal aspects, and actual process of independence through various channels. Research shows that effective communication, network effects, and accessibility are crucial for reaching the tipping point where adoption rapidly increases.
Blake, the truth is that most Texans aren’t scared of independence—they just need to understand it’s both possible and practical. Our job is education, not persuasion. Once Texans understand that self-government is their right and Texas independence follows proven legal pathways, support grows naturally.
The question isn’t whether Texans want independence—polling consistently shows growing support. The question is how quickly we can educate enough Texans to reach that critical mass where independence becomes inevitable.
