The right of a people to self-determination has been a cardinal principle of international law for over 100 years. It states that people have the right to freely choose their sovereignty and international political status with no interference or external compulsion.
Today we have a bitterly divided nation, pitting differing fundamental views about the role of our government. One side favors centralized authority and control, while the other side favors local authority and limited powers of control over individuals. Which side are you on?
This question is important because large numbers of our population feel that our "democratic" institutions are failing to protect their rights and beliefs. As an alternative to open hostility and violent confrontation, might it be acceptable to allow certain areas or groups within our country to exercise greater self-determination? Or is that an anathema that can't be tolerated?
Today we have a bitterly divided nation, pitting differing fundamental views about the role of our government. One side favors centralized authority and control, while the other side favors local authority and limited powers of control over individuals. Which side are you on?
This question is important because large numbers of our population feel that our "democratic" institutions are failing to protect their rights and beliefs. As an alternative to open hostility and violent confrontation, might it be acceptable to allow certain areas or groups within our country to exercise greater self-determination? Or is that an anathema that can't be tolerated?