Do Socialists Have A Right to Secede? Yes! Even They

From: D
Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2017 3:31 PM
To: Walter Block
Subject: Question about Catalonia
Professor Block, The Catalan government wants to separate Catalonia from Spain. In principle, any libertarian would support this process, but it has at least three problems: first, it is based on lies (historical misrepresentation and indoctrination in schools); second, what would happen to those people who want to remain in Spain (who may well be the majority of the Catalan people)? and third, in case of success, the alleged “Catalan Republic” would be almost a socialist state. Therefore, from a utilitarian point of view, at this moment it would be better to stay in Spain than to separate. What do you think? Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, D

Dear D: First, I’m not able to judge the “lies” you mention. Second, those people who want to remain in Spain, or set up their own country separate from the new nation of Catalonia, should be allowed to do so. Third, yes, from a utilitarian point of view, the socialist Catalans should not be allowed to separate. But from a libertarian perspective, free association is crucial. No one, not even lefties, should be compelled to associate with people against their will. It is too bad that most of the separatists (Quebec from Canada, Ireland from UK) are socialists. But, even socialists have rights, I maintain. I realize I am going out on a limb, here, since socialists don’t grant anyone else rights, but, as a staunch libertarian, I try to hew to principle no matter what the provocation. Best, Walter

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