‘Calexit’ suddenly seems popular in Iran. But most Californians know the idea is a joke

“Khar too kharé” is a Farsi phrase meaning “donkeys inside of donkeys.” The Persian saying, which lacks a direct translation in English, signifies “chaos” or “disorganization.” Think “dumpster fire.”

The phrase provides a great way to describe Iran’s seemingly odd campaign of support for the insignificant and ridiculous “Calexit” movement, which advocates for California’s secession from the United States. The phrase Calexit – short for “California exit” – is one of the top trends on Twitter today, with thousands of accounts tweeting in support of the idea. Most of the accounts appear to be based in Iran.

Of course, the last time the Calexit movement got this kind of attention it was thanks to the work of Russian internet trolls. A 2017 investigation by the BBC found that Russian social media operatives started boosting the idea after Donald Trump won the 2016 election. In 2017, the leader of the Calexit movement quit the campaign and announced plans to move to Russia, according to CNN.

So, while many Iranians seem to be supporting the idea now, we can’t be certain about who is actually behind the trend.

Foreign enemies of the U.S. like to push the idea of California secession because they think it can help to widen divisions in American society. Unfortunately for these faraway trolls, their intelligence on California politics seems laughably weak. Most Californians regard the idea of secession as ridiculous, kooky and senseless – and with good reason.

For example, secession would require the agreement of the California State Legislature and a two-thirds majority of both houses of Congress, along with ratification by 38 other states. Reality check: If California could actually muster that kind of national consensus, there would be no reason to secede.

In addition, polls have consistently shown that Californians oppose the idea by a wide margin. Why? Because it’s just plain dumb.

Of course, Calexit’s pushers know they stand no chance of actually winning. Their simple aim is to confuse Trump opponents naive enough to buy into their ludicrous “movement” and sow further division in American society. That’s why Marcus Evans Ruiz, an obscure internet persona who has declared himself “president” of California, released a YouTube message to addressed to the Iranian people on April 5. In the message, Ruiz promised the Iranians that an independent California would pursue a better foreign policy with Iran.

The next day saw an outpouring of tens of thousands of tweets – purportedly from Iranians – in support of #Calexit.

“A divided United States would better serve the entire world, including the people of the United States,” read one message from an account with 80,000 followers.

While those expressing support for the idea clearly intended to hurt President Trump and divide America, they only succeeded in making a mockery of themselves. We Californians have no interest in abandoning our country. While people in other countries have found themselves defeated and oppressed by tyranny, democracy gives us the power to replace governments when they fail to serve their people. California will lead by pushing forward with the ideas and energy that can make our country work for all Americans – and for the world.

Trump’s foreign policy toward Iran – backing out of a nuclear deal and then imposing cruel sanctions on the country – has been unwise and unfair. But those who push for California secession as a response make themselves look silly and weak.

Calexit is nothing more than an ongoing practical joke promoted by powerless California “goosfands” (Farsi for “sheep or silly people”). Obviously, the pathetic nature of Calexit has been lost in translation. But the Golden State’s foreign “admirers” should take a cue from California’s people by ignoring this tired old joke.

This story was originally published April 6, 2020 at 3:34 PM.