Thurb

Introduction

Morality

Politics

The morality of government

The right to bear arms

The morality of war

Terrorism

Who owns land?

Israel/Palestine

The right to independence

American independence

Basque independence

Northern Ireland

Countries by population

The free market

Copyright?

Crime and punishment

The health industry

School

Basque independence

Over the question of Basque independence, in my opinion both sides have put themselves in the wrong.

The Spanish government (and indeed the French government) has put itself in the wrong by refusing to acknowledge the possibility of Basque independence. Given that there is clearly some significant support for it, they should hold a referendum in the Basque Country, and respect the result. I have no idea whether the people of the Basque Country would vote for independence, but they should have the right to be asked.

The terrorist group ETA has put itself in the wrong by killing innocent people. Although Basque nationalists have a genuine grievance, no-one is killing them, so they're not entitled to kill anyone. The members of ETA are not fighting a war, they're simply murderers, and should be dealt with accordingly. I have no sympathy with them at all.