Well, this approach didn't work.
Posted on 03/16/2014 9:20:39 AM PDT by ClaytonP
Voting begins Sunday on a referendum on whether Venice and its surrounding region should secede from the rest of Italy, in an attempt to restore its 1,000-year history as a sovereign republic.
La Serenissima — or the Most Serene Republic of Venice — was an independent trading power for a millennium before its last leader was deposed by Napoleon in 1797.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.nationalpost.com ...
We’re going to see more of this as diverse groups decide they want an all Muslim Michigan or an all black Detroit. We’re already saying we’d like to separate from the insanely liberal east and west coasts.
I can’t remember which of the founders said it, but the words, in effect were, “We need a powerful external threat to keep us together, to overcome the provincial self interest of individual states.”
Venice prepares for referendum on secession from Italy
Activists say that the latest polling shows that 65 per cent of voters in the Veneto region, which includes historic cities such as Treviso, Vicenza and Verona, are in favour of cutting ties with Rome.
For decades there has been deep-seated dissatisfaction in the rich northern regions of Italy with what is widely regarded as inefficient and venal rule from Rome, as well as resentment that hard-won tax revenues are sent south and often squandered.
They acknowledge that the vote is not binding on the national government in Rome and could cause a massive constitutional upheaval, but insist that if it passes, they will start taking steps to withhold taxes, in what would effectively be a unilateral declaration of independence.
"People are fed up with the economic crisis and have had it with Rome.
Well, this approach didn't work.
If the fate of all the massive hyper-centralized governments is to break up into smaller entities, an Alexander will eventually arise to conquer them.
That is why a federal system is needed with more power given to local governments so people don't feel the need to completely sever all ties to get away from all the busy bodies in the nation's capital.
“That is why a federal system is needed with more power given to local governments so people don’t feel the need to completely sever all ties to get away from all the busy bodies in the nation’s capital. “
Those busybodies will not give up power until they’re forced to. And then, they’ll be back to chipping away at the new freedoms once again. My observation on people and power is that people who should least have it will kill their mothers to get it. Those who are competent to wield power and not be oppressive don’t want power and generally don’t seek it.
We made it from 1778 to roughly 1975 as a free people. But since then we’ve been on a slippery slope to slavery. I’m not sure if the slide started with J. Edgar Hoover spying on everybody important or Ruby Ridge and Waco or if they’re all just symptoms of a new trend.
Quebec from Canada?
Isn’t Venice sinking into the sea? Last I was there is was flooded..
“Venice sinking five times faster than thought?”
secede or recede?
http://www.gunstonhall.org/library/archives/manuscripts/objections.html
This guy was a genius.
Thanks.
The EU has always been in two minds about dissolution of multi-nation entities in their constituent parts. The present position is that a region seceding from a member country of the EU will have to apply for a new membership. (Thus, a region like Veneto can free itself from both the Italian state and the EU in one go!!) However, all countries still have right to veto a new applicant. So if the divorce has not been of the velvet kind it may be difficult for the new entity to gain membership in the EU (which may not necessarily be a disadvantage /understatement). The one referendum to really watch for this year is the one in Catalonia.
The government in Madrid (including the armed forces) does not going to allow a referendum to be held despite the decision by the local parliament. Interesting developments ahead.
Well, Italy has spent a lot more time with city-states than unified. It was Rome that discovered the founding principle of a nation-state: they can draft bigger armies.
He and, a couple others, predicted exactly what was to come.
Patrick Henry said the the end of all government ought to be LIBERTY.
George Mason at the debates in opposition to this constitution, Sept, 1787 said..
This government will set out a moderate aristocracy: it is at present impossible to foresee whether it will, in its operation, produce a monarchy, or a corrupt, tyrannical aristocracy; it will most probably vibrate some years between the two, and then terminate in the one or the other.
Last visit, I noticed the streets were somewhat wet.
” or a corrupt, tyrannical aristocracy;”
Dynasties of Kennedys, Bushes, Clintons and others. Imagine a dynasty so powerful they can kill somebody and everybody knows it and nothing is done. Pope Alexander the sixth (Lucretius Borgia’s father) would have been awed.
Unbelievable isnt it? These few guys knew what this country was being set up for.
Washington, who “was” Masons friend, and the so called father of our country, unfriended George Mason for his opposition. He later, referred to Mason as his former friend.
Of course, as one strolls through the Vatican, you will see a series of paintings documenting a 60 year project, complete with a couple of wars and a triumphant conclusion, to unify Italy from the alps to the toe of the boot. Dissolving such a hard fought long term effort should not be taken lightly. Good luck Italy!
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