[gaulois]

Nice to see some more enlightened approach to QSov discussions. That would do far more to improving Canada than the usual aggravation discussions.<br /> <br /> Be careful however about your assumptions on the Walmart'ization not also invading Quebec, whether "sovereign" or not.

[Calumny]

Gee, must you always be so controversial. <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'> <br /> <br /> Besides, the McDs in Hull, or Gatineau or whatever the hell they call it now, serve much better grand Macs. <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'> <br /> <br /> And, of course, pommes frites.<br /> <br /> <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'>

[michou]

[QUOTE]Get Off The QSov's Backs[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> So that's the heavy load I was feeling ... <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/eek.gif' alt='Eek!'> <br /> <br /> They say there's always a reason for everything. This must be why I've done so much swimming throughout my life then, preparing my back and shoulder muscles in order to carry the sovereignty load perhaps ? <br /> <br /> Joke aside, I also believe that the Québec sovereignty issue could (should) inspire Canadians positively instead of just quabbling about why it shouldn't be in the first place. Telling Québécers they're Canadians too, to accept it and to just shut up already has not met with great success. There must be another way and hopefully, we will somehow find it someday. <br /> <br /> But the new year is almost upon us and I don't feel like quabbling on this day. Instead, I'd rather wish all Canadians, Québécers too, a tremendous 2006. Whatever the new year brings, may we take and deal with what comes with enlightened discernment and good judgment. <br /> <br /> To federalists, autonomists, sovereigntists, separatists or whatever you wish to call yourselves, A Happy New Year to all of you !<br /> <br /> michou xxx

[Dr Caleb]

Happy New Year, Michou. <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'>

[Calumny]

And God bless us all...everyone.<br /> <br /> [QUOTE]So that's the heavy load I was feeling[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> Try carrying the weight of the world, like me...although come to think of it, nobody ever asked me to do that. Hmmmmm. <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'> <br /> <br /> I really believe that most who support Canadian Sovereignty, whatever that may be, would probably be QSovs (my new little short form) if they'd grown up Quebecois.<br /> <br /> The other thing I've been thinking about is that all the doom and gloom scenarios some project in respect of a sovereign Quebec could be equally true for the sovereign Canada some claim to want, e.g., taking the steps necessary to create the same could have significant economic impacts, etc.<br /> <br /> At the end of the day, no one can predict the future, so all we can do is whatever we think is right for ourselves and hope for the best, both for ourselves and others who are good people acting in good faith, regardless of whether their views correspond to our own.<br /> <br /> Happy New Year to all for whom it is the New Year and Happy January 01 to everyone else.<br /> <br /> <br /> <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'> <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'> <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'>

[gaulois]

In spite of several disappointments, 2005 was a good year in relative terms (I won't expand on that). I look forward to a better 2006 and wish all my Vive fellows happyness for you and your loved ones in the year to come. Bonne année et le paradis à la fin de vos jours qu'on disait par chez moi.

[Calumny]

[QUOTE]2005 was a good year in relative terms[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> Mother-in-law finally moved out?<br /> <br /> <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'>

[gaulois]

[QUOTE BY= Calumny] [QUOTE]2005 was a good year in relative terms[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> Mother-in-law finally moved out?<br /> <br /> [/QUOTE]<br /> She actually flew back last night. How did you know?

[michou]

[QUOTE BY= gaulois] [QUOTE BY= Calumny] [QUOTE]2005 was a good year in relative terms[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> Mother-in-law finally moved out?<br /> <br /> [/QUOTE]<br /> She actually flew back last night. How did you know?[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'> <br /> <br /> My German lover has done just the opposite, delaying his return flight to Nuremberg by one full month AND he is doing the dishes at the moment. What more could I ever wish for in 2006 ? <br /> <br /> I read somewhere that Gilles Duceppe telephones at least 20 undecided Québec voters everyday. Now I wonder if André Boisclair will do housecalls this year, I may need a drink or something. <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/mrgreen.gif' alt='Mr. Green'> <br /> <br /> (on edit: that last line was NOT meant as a pun. Oops !)

[Calumny]

See all...know all...<br /> <br /> Actually, it was the 'relative' part.

[Clovis]

I am a separatist! The thing that can make me accept to live in Canada is a major reform of Ottawa government! I mean by that, Canada become a Republic, Provinces ( OLD ROME SHIT ) become des États Autonome! Each states can do what he fucking want and can go to international conference like Unesco and all of it when that concern the interest of the state.Each state have a veto vote on each subject. ( QUÉBEC DOENST EVEN HAVE ONE TODAY ). That my friend , or maybe other reform , can make many separatist accept the Union of Canada. The truth is that Canada government is a Monarchie Constitutionnel. Its about time to move forward and change that! Thats my opinion.

[Innes]

I must congratulate you for your honesty in admitting that you are a separatist. I see the use of the term "sovereignist" as one of those political spin words that are used merely to verbally soften the separatist movement.<br /> <br /> On the other hand, it is dishonest to suggest that there is anything that Ottawa could do to satify that insatiable thirst for power that drives separatism. In what republic does a "state" have the right to control international relations? In what republic can any "state" dictate to the other "states"? Changing the terms you use does not change the reality.<br /> <br /> It is this idealization of the American system without understanding the system that seems to drive separatist demands. Many "separatists" in Quebec want to separate from Canada in order to join the US. Others want to be reunited with France. Others see themselves as gaining more power and dominance in a new Quebec state. Others believe that it would be easier for private corporations to gain control over Quebec resources without the protection of a larger nation (this is the objective of the new Conservatives) through laissez-faire economics. <br /> <br /> In any struggle for power there are more losers than winners. Where do you think you would fit?<br />

[Clovis]

To be honest with you ... I don't want Canada and Québec to be like USA. We can all say that we are different.But, we need a reform. I appreciate more the european model to be honest. Each is a country who can deal with international relation plus the european union who can also talk for all. Thats what , i think, would make Canada work. I know that we always talk about Québec, but we forgot the Western block who want to be heard too and have more power. The atlantic provinces have difficulties to devellop themself in this type of government.I think we need a CANADIAN reform. Not copy others in fact, but create our reform. Ask to all Quebecers, majority of separatist, ask them if after the Québec become a country, do u mind to be part of a new Canadian Union. 7/10 .. the anwser will be yes. I tell u, i love Canada like i love Québec ... We built that all togheter. We All fight at war for it ... But the thing is, nobody is happy in it. Every provinces have different skills of power. Maybe we can do a western union, Ontario , Québec , Atlantic provinces union , Northern Union and all restart a new way to govern this. If u really want to save this country, we have to do some reform.<br /> <br /> PS: Never We will go back with France, this is past. And USa ... maybe in a future North American Union but i tell u that the people in Québec will never give back their souveraineté nationale ( if we achieve it ) to be part of a north american union.

[Brother Jonathan]

[QUOTE by Clovis]</b> Provinces … become des États Autonome! … Each [autonomous] state has a veto vote on each subject.<b>[/QUOTE]<br /> I’m not sure that each member state of the European Union has a veto on every matter that comes before the European Parliament. Your ideal above sounds closer to the Iroquois League than to the EU.<br /> <br /> [QUOTE by Innes]</b> … that insatiable thirst for power that drives separatism.<b>[/QUOTE]<br /> Is it a thirst for power, or a thirst for self-determination?<br /> <br /> [QUOTE by Innes]</b> Many “separatists” in Quebec want to separate from Canada in order to join the US.<b>[/QUOTE]<br /> Given our much greater anglophone population and our current military deployments, why would the average separatist seek to exchange Canadian “provincehood” (what’s the proper term?) for American statehood?<br /> <br /> [QUOTE by Clovis]</b> … i tell u that the people in Québec will never give back their souveraineté nationale ( if we achieve it ) to be part of a north american union.<b>[/QUOTE]<br /> Some portion of national sovereignty has been given up by the EU states to be members of the EU (e.g. incorporating the entire EU <i>acquis communautaire</i> into each member’s domestic legal system); I’d expect a similar partial cession of sovereignty by all members of an analogous North American Union. Which particular features of sovereignty would you consider non-negotiable?