"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, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security."

It was this type of thinking that led me to utter the tongue-in-cheek comment on Glenn Beck's radio show that I may run for president of Texas.

I'm not saying that other states won't muster the gumption to stand and secede, but Texas has the history to prove it. As most know, Texas was its own country before it joined the union as the 28th state. From 1836 to 1846, Texas was its own republic. Washington-on-the-Brazos served as our Philadelphia. Washington-on-the-Brazos is where, on March 2, 1836, a band of patriots forged the Texas Declaration of Independence.

On March 1, 1845, then-President John Tyler signed a congressional bill annexing the Republic of Texas. Though the annexation resolution never explicitly granted Texas the right to secede from the union (as is reported often), many (including me) hold that it is implied by its unique autonomy and history, as well as the unusual provision in the resolution that gave Texas the right to divide into as many as five states. Both the original (1836) and the current (1876) Texas constitutions also declare: "All political power is inherent in the people. … They have at all times the inalienable right to alter their government in such manner as they might think proper."

Anyone who has been around Texas for any length of time knows exactly what we'd do if the going got rough in America. Let there be no doubt about that. As Sam Houston once said, "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."

For those losing hope and others wanting to rekindle the patriotic fires of early America, I encourage you to join Fox News' Glenn Beck, me and millions of people across the country in the live telecast "We Surround Them," which will be on Fox News Channel Friday, March 13, at 5 p.m. EDT. Thousands of cell groups will be united in solidarity over their concerns for our country. You can host or attend a viewing party by going to Glenn's Web site. My wife, Gena, and I will be hosting one from our Texas ranch. We've invited many family members, friends and law enforcement officials to join us. It's our way of saying, "We're united; we're tired of the corruption; and we're not going to take it anymore!"

Again, Sam Houston could have been speaking to all of us present-day Americans when he gave these marching orders: "We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the contest and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid; none is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope! Rally to the standard, and be no longer the scoff of mercenary tongues! Be men, be free men, that your children may bless their father's name."

(NOTE: Speaking of showdowns, Chuck is inviting anyone near the Houston area this weekend to see a good example of the raw Texas fighting spirit. Join him and others for the national martial arts event "Showdown in H-Town.")