[Originally Published October 27th, 2017 on Wordpress]
INTRODUCTION:
October 27th,2017 will mark a momentous day for the people of Catalonia as today marks the date of separation from Spain. For years, this portion of Spain in the Northeastern region of the country (boarding on France) had been considered part of Spain. However, Catalonia’s unique culture and sense of identity created fertile ground for cultivating a separatist movement within the region. However, while the Catalonian parliament overwhelmingly voted in favor of separation, the parliament in Spain voted with the same fervor for countermeasures to keep Catalonia united with Spain. Which such resistance to the separation of Catalonia, is a cause of concern due to the potential for draconian and oppressive counter actions by Spain and the potential for violent counter-demonstrations by the Catalonians.
The question that seems to be most evident, is why as an American do I care about this occurrence when in primarily impacts Spain? It, in all honesty, should be quite conspicuous. As an American, I understand the principles that drove Catalonia to separate from Spain, because while the circumstances are different their certainly some parallels to the United States separating from England. While unfair taxation is was not the impetus for Catalonia, they share with Americans the unique sense of self-identity and nationalism which provides the philosophical backing for such a move. I personally fully support the separation and believe that Spain should allow Catalonia to remain autonomous versus potentially creating a civil war over keeping this territory.
NEWS STORY:
On Friday, October 27, 2017, the Catalonia Parliament voted to be separate from the country of Spain to form an independent nation. It should be noted that the measure passed by an overwhelming majority. However, the liberation of Catalonia presents a direct violation of Spain’s constitution. An hour after the passing of this piece of legislation, Spanish lawmakers voted 214 to 47 to enact article 155 of Spain’s constitution. This action would give the authority to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to “take administrative control over the region” and levy “charges of rebellion” against Catalan political leaders. While the threat of the Spanish government taking over Catalonia does loom overhead, the Catalans seem to be related to now be separated from Spain. [3]
DISCUSSION:
This monumental moment for the people of Catalonia is really a story that any patriotic American and history literate should be able to sympathize with. A territory with a unique culture, sense of identity, and sense of united national identity risking the ire of the parent governing nation. While this is not an identical scenario to American separating from England, it certainly has a sentiment that we can relate to. The yearning for the autonomy to govern in the best interest with respect to the national identity of the citizens. I am not well versed in the political matters of Spain, however, isn’t it possible that much of what suited the majority of Spain policy wise did not work for Catalonia. Why not allow this region to operate independently and be able to have complete sovereignty over their own region?
I also need to play devil’s advocate regarding this matter while I do have leanings towards siding with Catalonia, we also need to look at the potential ramifications for Spain. While I do see validity separation on the grounds of a unique and intense sense of separate national identity it is important to note this does violate the constitution of Spain. I know that a nation’s Constitution is a significant document that should be respected, much how it is in the United States. (at least in theory). In theory, the Catalan push for separation could be perceived as an act of aggression against Spain. However, the parliament in Madrid granting the Prime Minister full power to take over the region is significantly more disruptive. It is troubling to surmise what conflicts could be engendered by Spain taking punitive action against Catalonia. While they could have potentially found a legal manner to separate, the greater of the two wrongs would be pervasively harsh sanctions again Catalonia for separating and or police/military action. All I can say is that the use of force on Spain’s part to remedy the issue of Catalonia separating would be a gross folly. Especially when you consider how secession of Catalonia presents no direct violent confrontation or harm to Spain.
FOOT NOTES:
1. (VIDEO) https://youtu.be/CGYzH8nEZr0
2. https://invertedlogicblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/27/political-opinions-26-a-free-catalonia
3. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/27/world/europe/spain-catalonia-puigdemont.html
Commentaires