🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <fawzi-2409962219260001@news1.vir.com>, fawzi@vir.com (Fawzi) wrote:
>Paul,
>
>I was just mentioning to someone that evoking a possibility of war is
>plain stupid.
>Now if your looking for an all out
>nazi-racist-graffiti-making-harrassing-radical-ex-FLQ-flag
>burner-anti-anglo debate, you've hit the wrong separatist bastard, sorry.
>Better luck next time.
>
>Salutations chez vous itou.
>
>Fawzi

Hello Fawzi,

I wasn't trying to hit you or label you. Only to mention that les Anglais
are not the only people who could (or should) be accused of threatening
violence or posturing.

Both sides really need to have an honest face-to-face to discuss this. Any
implied threat of violence is irresponsible. Quebec and the RoC have
behaved in an equally bad manner.

Like you, I believe Canadians have a tradition of resolving problems
peacefully.  
It may even be that if both sides really listened they may discover that
they really are not all that far apart in their desires.

Separation has risen out of the frustration Quebecers feel about the
supposed disregard the RoC has for French language and culture.
Consequently they have adopted strict language laws in an attempt to
preserve the culture and language. Is this the best way? Maybe not. But
there is no denying that the desire to preserve their cultural identity is
legitimate and the driving force behind what they do.

Perhaps the rest of Canada should accept Quebec as a "distinct" culture.
Why not? The have a history and culture that is very different from other
parts of the country. To deny this "distinctness" is pure folly and
ignorance.

Distinctness, however, is not exclusive to one segment of Canada.
Bourassa, Parizeau and Bouchard have each insisted that Quebec should have
exclusive right to the claim of distinction - this just isn't based on
reality or fact. The First Nations have a rich history, culture and
heritage that cannot be ignored. 
What about Newfoundland? It is the home of the oldest European settlement
in North America and, consequently, has as much right to a claim as a
distinct society. Quebec must also recognize the validity of such claims.

Differences should not be perceived as a threat or a weakness. They really
only become obstacles when xenophobic politicans seize on differences as
something negative. 

Mutal respect is the key to national unity. Legislation, Constitution and
court orders are not going to change people's perceptions or end the
debate. Any attempt by federalists to close the matter by these means is
short-sighted and simplistic. Likewise, a simple majority in a referndum
cannot be seen as sufficient license to initiate separation.

Regards,

Paul