As an ordinary citizen, I want to express my opinion on the issue of Catalonia's independence. First, I will point out a couple of premises.
Personally, I don't believe there is any reason, outside of selfish interest, for borders to exist. They are artificial creations of man and, therefore, do not have to be immovable. They can be modified, increased, or disappear. In my opinion, the best way would be for them to disappear over time, and I am not only referring to those marked on a map, but also to the invisible, but more dangerous, ones of injustices and inequalities.
Secondly, I note that I almost never believe what politicians say. They have to sell products and employ two levels: the pretty facade to sell it, and what they really want, which you have to guess. This case is no different and I can suspect, although I cannot be certain, what each political formation truly intends. Anyway, this wouldn't change the analysis much.
Having said this, if we look at the reasons expressed by the pro-independence and anti-independence supporters, we see that, like the commandments, they are reduced to two: selfish interest and, in the case of some naive nationalists, they may believe in the feeling. (This is why they lower the voting age to 16. At that age, it is easier to channel people through feeling than through reasoning).
In any case, with respect to feelings, we are tired of seeing many examples throughout history that they only exist when things are ripe and never when things are tough.
It is therefore clear to me that this is, like almost everything, a matter of selfishness and each one uses their facade to make their position look good. Thus, the Catalans invoke the consultation only because they believe that it would favor them, and the same happens with those who resort to the law. The former do not want a national consultation because they believe they would lose, (and at least it is debatable whether this is a matter for the Catalans or for all Spaniards) and the latter break the law when it suits them.
And at this point, what has been achieved? Creating a discomfort, perhaps impossible to resolve in many years, between Catalans among themselves and between Catalans and Spaniards. Possibly not even independence would solve the problem. And in the meantime, neoliberal capitalism is rubbing its hands watching its little puppets fighting. Changing this dynamic is not a specific issue. We have to change the values. As long as we keep talking about competitiveness and selfishness, we will not go anywhere and we will only be strengthening the policy that is screwing us all and favoring capitalism. There will be no hope until we change these values for collaboration, equality, justice and authentic and true democracy always, and not in dribs and drabs when it suits a part.
