re: If the south seceded again,

The South would actually fare better than the North in a split. It would need to include all of the oil-producing states, including Oklahoma. There would be more than enough oil to finance the building of a new government. Would need Florida for the tourist economy. Military could be a problem, but that could be assembled within 5 years.

No welfare in the south. You work or you leave. Mandatory conscription for all 18 year olds, like in Israel. Everybody serves their country. It makes the country stronger, and makes them better people when they finally get out.