Submitted by rj, Sep 11, 2007 20:42

"The break-up of Belgium need not create instability: 2007 is not 1831. Europe has nothing to fear from a free vote of the Walloons and Flemings, both of whom might choose to accede to France and the Netherlands respectively. Wiser counsel would no doubt urge the Walloons and Flemings to prefer the protection of some kind of arrangement with either the British or the Americans and their freedoms. In any event, democracy Â-- not realpolitik Â-- should decide Belgium's destiny. Let us hope that Europe, too, has an opportunity to vote before its future is determined from above."

I very much agree.

I wish to have a vote on the South carrying its Thomas Jefferson-given right of secession. After all, 2007 is not 1861. America has nothing to fear from a free vote of Southerners, who might choose to just go its own way. In any event, democracy, not centralized corporatism, should decide this country's destiny. Let us hope that America, too, has an opportunity to vote before its future is determined from above.

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