This is actually an interesting idea. As a semi-independent commonwealth they would have a degree of "flexibility". Belle Isle straddles Canada so it could attempt to become a pseudo-free trade zone (FTZ). Since they could label their products "Made in U.S.A." but have a minimum wage below the federal rate and possibly exert control over customs and immigration enforcement.
The Louisiana Science Education Act is such an unusual artifact. It is baffling that Creationism has thrived in the State when it is so hostile to Catholic Theistic Evolution. I realize that modern Louisiana is distinguished by an admixture of Christianity but Catholic tradition molded the sociocultural landscape and continues to dominate State politics today. Is it just apathy from lapsed Catholics and waning Papal influence that allowed these fundamentalists to co-opt the discourse?