Separatist ping-pong
Canadians of all stripes seem to hate debating separatism. Should rich Alberta separate? Does BC get the representation it deserves? Is is fair for provinces in the financial black make equalization payments to those in the red? These questions read like a first year political-science class on ideologies (and I should know), but why is the idea of separatism so easily tossed around?
The thought struck me while reading this post by John Murney about the province of Newfoundland and Labrador refusing to fly the Canadian flag. While John is simply trying to make a point about respect, he doesn’t mind tossing around separatism. Danny Williams has no problem making a strong statement that turns its back on the united state we call Canada; sure they may have a right to be mad, but acting like a stuck up, reactive teenager is not a proactive measure. I agree with John: the Nfld. government is making a terrible statement to all other Canadians, and Danny Williams has every right to stand up for what he sees as a raw deal for the people he represents. Why don’t we all play the separatist card and see what happens? This juvenile behaviour is not becoming of a government.
Unity of this type is, perhaps, one of the traits I admire in Americans. States can still have friction between them, but they generally respect the strength that comes from a united group.
Where have all the great statesmen gone?