This afternoon, Catalonia declared independence. At the same time, Spain invoked article 155, to strip Catalonia from its governing powers putting it under direct rule from the federal government. A vote for independence was raised in Catalonian parliament, with part of parliament leaving before the vote on independence started. The motion declaring independence was approved with 70 in favor, 10 against, and two abstentions of the normal 135 total.
From RT: https://www.rt.com/news/407956-catalan-parliament-votes-independence/
From Aljazeera: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/catalan-parliament-begins-vote-independence-171027115908493.html
From BBC: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41780116
It will be interesting to see how things unfold. In my opinion, Madrid using violence to stop a referendum gave it the legality they later claim the referendum didn't have. The lack of dialogue paved the way into the only possible outcome, Catalonia declaring independence and Madrid denying it. Whatever happens next, I hope will be peaceful. As to how the EU reacts, I'm hoping they ask for an official referendum, and whatever the outcome, pledges that both Catalonia and Spain will be able to remain in the EU if they desire. That may release tensions a bit.
(Score: 2, Funny) by Runaway1956 on Sunday October 29 2017, @09:50AM (2 children)
There are none so blind as he who will not see. Stop trolling, and you can stop the down mods. And, no, contructive criticism is not trolling - but I guess you got your jollies by downmodding that post.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by aristarchus on Sunday October 29 2017, @11:21AM (1 child)
Stop taking the bait, you complete and utter moron! My god, Runaway! You have such thin skin, for such a tough dude! Or is it that you cannot understand what is going on here? You are allying yourself with enemies of the United States of America! You are a traitor, man! Time to step back, to realize that political correctness is what we used to call "manners", and that racism is endemic in the American South. These two things would be steps in the right direction. Oh, and Eth? You may not realize that I am Jewish. Talk like his killed my relatives in Germany. I have no tolerance for it. And if you defend his anti-semitism, well, you should beware of Jew-Bears, too. And Drop-bears. And Gummi-bears and probably armed bears. You bear-hater, you.
(Score: 2) by Runaway1956 on Sunday October 29 2017, @08:42PM
I've got my 2nd amendment bears, ain't skeered of no bears.