Gene,
quote:
While we're at it, we can dissolve the UK and give Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall autonomy.
And the Southern States. Lee would be proud! & so it goes on.....
quote:
Much appreciated. And I thank you for your exemplary subjugation of a people who don't want anything to do with your government.
Ireland, agreed. Northern Ireland. Not a chance. Therein lies the problem. The majority of the Northern Irish wish to remain British. Historically, Eire doesn't have a claim either. Ireland (Northern Ireland & Eire) has never had autonomous rule EVER. The only time Ireland has been "united" as an island is under Norman/English/British rule. The Republican "A Nation Once Again" is propaganda. That's not to say it cant be, but it
should require a democratic mandate that isn't likely to be forthcoming in the near future. But coming from a nation that won't even let democratic secessions take place, you really don't have an argument, Gene, if you're speaking from a nationalistic POV.
Northern Ireland, Kernow (Cornwall), can both have autonomy if the electorate wish it. I certainly agree with this sort of "national sorting". Scotland & Wales both have assemblies, & I think you'll find they both stood shy of complete autonomy because of the cash flow from England to the north & west. Scotland gets (last I heard) 16/capita on public spending for every 10/capita spent in England. Even N. Ireland doesn't get that much. My Mrs is Scottish (& is in bed so thankfully can't see me type these words!)(I'm a Londoner, BTW), but her brothers agree, when push comes to shove, educated Scots (I hope Mister Pamboli passes this one over) are more reticent than you Yanks think about dissolution of the Union. Personally, although I know England would be better off without the Union, I'm an ol' traditionalist. There is "Power in a Union", as Billy Bragg said.
Mark
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Occam's razor is not for shaving with.
[This message has been edited by mark24, 12-07-2002]
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