September 30, 2003
Dog not barking in night...
In all the cacophony about Iraq, there's one word I've been hoping to hear--but haven't lately. It's Federalism. It's what Iraq needs.
Ever wonder why the German-speaking Swiss don't oppress the French-speaking Swiss? And the French-speakers don't fight with the Italian-speakers? It's because most of the important Swiss decisions are made in the Cantons. Even if you became President-for-Life of Switzerland, it wouldn't do you much good, because the central government doesn't control very much...
And if you become El Supremo in your Canton, your Storm Troopers will find things frustrating: Everyone probably already belongs to your Master-Race, and if you make things really unpleasant, your people can just move to the next valley and leave you "Ruler of Naught."
Posted by John Weidner at September 30, 2003 10:12 AM | TrackBackIt's also the ultimate solution to the Israel / Palestine issue. Federalism means learning to live together.
Posted by: Chuck at September 30, 2003 10:58 AMI had a similar suggestion Here, and I linked to a Jonah Goldberg Article from before the War where he said much the same thing.
Posted by: Moe at September 30, 2003 08:26 PMOops... here - http://occam.blogmosis.com/archives/015716.html
Posted by: Moe at September 30, 2003 08:28 PMHmmm...wouldn't it be nice if there a bit more of that here in the US
Posted by: fnyser at September 30, 2003 08:45 PMI've been thinking that the lack of talk about federalism just means that it goes without saying that an Iraqi government needs to be federal if you're not going to get civil strife or outright civil war. You mean it doesn't go without saying? Gulp.
Posted by: jeanne a e devoto at October 1, 2003 05:32 PMThe trouble with this sort of liberation thing is that the people doing it are part of a big (and successful) central government. A certain set of assumptions tends to come with the package...
Posted by: John Weidner at October 2, 2003 07:57 PM
