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| "Je vis sous la rose (anglaise)... mais du lys (de la Nouvelle France) je me souviens" |
Obviously Quebecers seem to be concerned by the upcoming poll in Scotland.
I don't know precisely enough the history of Scotland and Quebec, to judge whether it makes sense to compare the aspirations to independence in both countries.
If the yes vote wins in Scotland, some here in Quebec will even more regret the near miss of their referendum some years ago; and maybe it could fuel a revival of the pro-Independence Party...
At lunch today we had a big row - while eating a shrimp pancake - as to whether independence was desirable for small entities, or if stability wasn't better guaranteed by bigger and more "centralized" entities ?
I must admit that I have mixed feelings about that question...
On one hand, an existing and self-conscious nation must have the right to self-determine their policy.
On the other hand, unreasonable claims for independence may wind up in unsustainable entities.
If empires can be criticized for their tendency to enforce their rule regardless of the diversity of their components, balkanized entities often have paved the way to exacerbated nationalism, that in many case in the past has led to wars.
It's rather astonishing to see that many forces at work in many countries are driving to split existing "coalitions" (Catalunya and Spain e.g.), while others (EU) are doing so many efforts to unite !!
I know, there can be no contradiction about that.
I often used to say (although as a joke) : "long live to a free Bourbonnais (the French province I come from) AND a united Europe."
If we Europeans want to have our say in the currently emerging world, we must absolutely work together with the nations with whom we share a cultural and historical heritage.
We must accept to (apparently or temporarily) lose some sovereignty, in order to build a stronger and more sustainable Europe.
The size of the "federalized" regions/states should only be a matter of compromise...
Descartes, the French philosopher (mid 17th century) said "I think, therefore I am", which is a universal statement for a human being.
More recently (end of 20th century), Alain Finkielkraut regretted that nationalism and chauvinism have turned Descartes'statement into "I think, therefore I am from somewhere"...
I myself can also be chauvinistic! My father used to have a sticker of the French province Bourbonnais on all his cars. Now Bourbonnais is considered a part of the so-called Auvergne region - which is a historical nonsense. I refuse to have a car license plate with the Auvergne logo on it !!
Anyway, let us see what the Scots decide !!
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