I've been interested in seceding for well over a decade and even picked out which states I want in my new country.  I've mentioned my thoughts a few times expecting blank stares or anger and I've gotten agreement almost every time.  I think Americans all know that the best thing that could happen is to split up the US into several countries where each has common culture and beliefs.  We have reached the point of irreconcilable differences.  

The only problem is that those in power don't want to allow any of their "tax slaves" to leave and they are willing to commit violence to stop anyone from leaving. 

 True. Also you have democratic strongholds in most of those states you are talking about. 

 Even Jefferson thought the U.S. would be split up in a few different countries and saw it as a good thing. He foresaw that a civil war was coming and I think he would have been appalled at the outcome. Sure slavery was ended, but at the price of self-determination and limited government. And I am certain that the Founders, except for maybe Alexander Hamilton, would have been disappointed at what the U.S. has become. Who isn't?