THE QUEBEC SECESSION VOTE
A Southern League Position Statement
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Confederate States of America, 31 October 1995

The events surrounding the historic referendum by the people of Quebec, October 30, 1995 are being followed by many Southerners. Southerners, like the people of Quebec, have experienced the heavy hand of military defeat and conquest. This shared experience makes the vote in Quebec of special interests to Southerners. Because of the similarity of our history, it is helpful to look at what has transpired in the secession movement and election in Quebec.

1. THE VOTE:

Currently, the pro-secession vote in Quebec stands at 49.4%. Those who oppose the right of secession are already trying to make the argument that this is a "clear" indication that the people of Quebec do not want independence and, therefore, the movement for independence is a failure. A quick look at the history of the secession movement in Quebec will dispel such a notion. Over the past 40 years the secessionists have progressed from a small "nuance" fringe group to the controlling party in the legislature of Quebec. The number of people supporting independence has increased from 4-6% to 49.4%. Remember, that the 1980 referendum for independence carried only 40% of the Quebec vote. The Quebec secessionists have already made it clear that they will be back--again and again. This is a clear-cut indication that the movement for independence is strong and growing. The momentum and advantage is on the side of those struggling for independence.

2. SECESSION, THE METHOD:

The vote by the people of Quebec is an indictment of all governments that at this time are holding portions of their empire together at the point of a bloody bayonet. The noble principle of "government by the consent of the governed" is the antidote for all forms of tyranny. No nation, notwithstanding its form of government, can be said to be free if it does not recognize the right of the people to consent to the form of government they live under. Quebec, as a sovereign community, has just exercised its right to consent to the government it lives under. Although not successful in its movement for independence, it has forced the Canadian Federal Government to recognize its unique culture and heritage. Secession, even when not practiced, will protect a people from their federal government. Secession is not the goal, it is and must be viewed as a means to achieve the goal of freedom. When so viewed, secession is both a shield and a sword to be used by a people of a sovereign community for their mutual defense.

3. QUEBEC AND DIXIE:

The vote of the people of Quebec demonstrates the proper role of a people in the establishment of a just government. This principle, first announced by the Colonial Forefathers of these United States in 1776, should be a guiding light for all people who love liberty. Secession of a sovereign community, i.e., a State, is the justifiable and the correct action of a people in defense of their most precious interests. The choice is, and should always be, with the people who feel that their rights are best served by the act of secession. Canada may not like what is being done, but no one has a right to force the people of a sovereign community to live in a government without their consent. Notice the difference between Quebec and Dixie. The people of Quebec have exercised their right to consent. Quebec is not being forced, at the point of a bayonet, to live under Canadian rule. In the South, the United States used the point of a bloody bayonet to force Dixie into the "American" empire. Which people can be said to be more free; the people of Quebec or the people of the South?

This statement can also be found on The Southern League website