Harper recognises Québec as a "nation within a nation"

[Bassic]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2627715

I'm just curious about your thoughts on this.


Edit because I can apparently not spell.

[kedrys]

1. Harper is a kissant

(kiss-ass+pissant)

I've been living in the States far too long to have a truly informed opinion of this particular set of circumstances, but separatists have their head up their arses, IMO, and so does Harper. A French-speaking province does not a nation make, especially when everybody drives Japanese cars (made in Canada, I concede the point) and eats at ethnic restaurants of one stripe or another.

One could make the point that following the example of the European Union, Quebec could split from the rest of Canada but keep the same currency; I happen to think it wouldn't work in this case. There was a sizable exodus westward - businesses and individuals alike - when Quebec first elected a separatist Premier in 1975, and the currency tanked badly and has never recovered. The Canadian dollar was worth about US$1.03 when Rene Levesque was elected, if I remember correctly; within 2 years, it had plunged to US$0.84. The election was not the only cause of the currency's devaluation, but it didn't help. I believe something similar would happen again were Quebec to secede, and maybe even if recognition as a "nation within a nation" were to be granted.

I'd love the see the States try to invade Canada. I have a hunch Mother Russia would mightily object. :P

:hi:

[irislake]

2. A lot of other countries too.

WHAT WOULD BLAIR DO?

[Bassic]

4. He'd have to watch it, in order to escape

a good spakinh by old Liz :D

[Bassic]

3. They're not talking about separation here, though. nt

[kedrys]

5. I just don't like anyone giving the Bloc any ideas

that they might some day be able to pull it off. I'd like to have a country to go back to one of these days. A *whole* country.

:hi:

[Bassic]

6. No one needs to give the Bloc any ideas,

the sovereignist movement is not dependant on the Prime Minister's approval of it, I'm afraid.

[Bassic]

7. Lévesque was elected in 1976

And given the economic problems of the time, such as oil shortage to name only one, I doubt that the drop of the dollar can solely be attributed to him.