Independence Referendums

[Stoked]

So, there are heating tensions in two specific areas of the world that have me thinking. One area is "Kurdistan" in the Iraq/Syria area. The second is in Catalonia, Spain. Both areas are holding independence referendums that the recognized government of the area staunchly opposes. For example, Spain has arrested over a dozen Catalonian politicians and conducted raids to seize referendum materiel.

I was just wondering where people stood on the issue of secessionist movements within the borders of a nation. Where does the line get drawn on what is allowed and not allowed. How far down the path of self determination and self rule do we go?

Do we support it in one area and not another? Why?

Thoughts?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...-iraqi-kurdistan-face-the-point-of-no-return/

 

[LogGrad98]

Technically I guess we are about as far down the path of self-rule we can get in a form that is self-sustaining. I support it as long as it is not occurring in terms of racism, or ideology but rather based in a desire for personal freedoms and fair treatment. That is, of course, tough to ascertain, and once they head down that path it is tough to see where it will end.

 

[franklin]

Technically I guess we are about as far down the path of self-rule we can get in a form that is self-sustaining. I support it as long as it is not occurring in terms of racism, or ideology but rather based in a desire for personal freedoms and fair treatment. That is, of course, tough to ascertain, and once they head down that path it is tough to see where it will end.

These movements throughout history are by and large based in either racism or ideology, and usually both. The African governments were all formed by ethnic separatist groups. Europe is the same. France has the Basques, the Bretons, the Normans, the Bavarians... the list goes on and on. It's always the same.

It also baffles me that after over 250 years people cannot understand the great federalist vs anti-federalist compromise. These situations basically boil down to the exact same talking points.

 

[JimLes]

What's the point in keeping a country together by force? I never understood that. The Spanish constitution apparently prohibits the break up of Spain. Why? Why is Spain staying together a good thing?

 

[Hekate]

Let them. They will soon find nothing is that different. May be then we can leave such nationalistic ideals behind and finaly form the ultimaye anarchistic society based on sex and rock&roll.

And drugs.