2007-09-18
France-Quebec-Canada relations: A strange isosceles triangle
Labels: france, history, politics, Quebec, united states 2 comments
The Parti Quebecois are a strange lot. For a party that has long memories they sure have selective minds. It's always been a strange fascination to watch us colonials fawn over French politicians who find the time to visit us. France, after all, once abandoned and cared little for Quebec.
Enter the fairly attractive but utterly visionless Segolene "Status quo c'est moi" Royal.
One can almost assure that if Quebec separates as Royal feels we should, that the French will not be there to pick us up when we fall. The Americans are more likely to react better.
This visit was better than the last as she refrained from making ill-judged comments that interfered in Canadian affairs.
Indeed, to watch French leaders come here and express "solidarity" with the sovereigntist movement rings hollow. It's comical to those of us who have shed our colonial colours. Our history shows that France seeks, like most nation-states, (though the French consider realpolitik more than most) soothes and aligns only where there interests are served.
I'm sure Paris would appreciate a Canadian nerd politician telling them that it's about high-time Bretagne seeks independence.
Aside from cultural realities, I can't see why we should pander to France. France is just another ally and brother in the Western alliance. We should but look one way - south. The United States makes a whole lot more sense than France. For me, watching the French come here resonates about as much as the Queen coming to Canada.
Other than the historical symbolic ties that bind, it has no true practical or substantial benefit to us anymore.
Segolene who?
NICE BLOG.
In agreement with you.