by Anthony Naumcheff

Created on: January 13, 2009

This can be a difficult question to answer. In a way, it should be the right of every unique ethnicity or nationality to govern themselves independently of foreign interference, to do things on their own. But in another way, It is simply wistful romanticism to lust after independence without a truly meaningful cause or course to follow. Doing so neglects certain inherent realities which come with independence, the simplest of which is "How will we become a functional society in the world?"

Independence in of itself does not fix anything for troubled countries. Independence may be a cornerstone of the solution, but it is not "the" solution. A real fix involves new ideas. It involves lots of people making lots of sacrifices. It takes a group of individuals who are willing to step up to the plate and truly bat for the peoples best interests. Courageous individuals who, whether they are citizens, civil servants, or governors, are able to not only create a finer vision of their peoples future, but can also tell them how to get there.

Sometimes this may involve a dictator, sometimes a democracy. Sometimes it may involve war, sometimes not. The key thing to realize though, is that assuming independence will provide a nation with a panacea for its problems is simply an illusion. Most small countries which follow the course of independence at all costs just trade one set of problems for another set: Oppression for starvation, joblessness for employed poverty. Or vice-versa.

Independence wont change what you're not willing to fix yourself. Or, Independence wont change what you yourself do not know how to fix. Countries which believe that simply by gaining freedom from a larger entity will allow them to get what they want may not be looking at the big picture: How will we feed our people? How will we sustain an economy? How will we defend ourselves? How will we maintain order and uphold the law? Particularly with very small territories which seek independence, these questions need to have viable answers before you should consider Independence as a means of improving your countries plight.

As I stated earlier, this can be a very difficult question to answer, and it must ultimately depend upon the circumstances. There are certain small countries which are able to become fully operational societies once set free, while many others struggle by the wayside and are unable to provide even the most essential of necessities. These countries which fail to provide are like the ones which I mentioned earlier-They thought freedom would bring riches, prosperity, and happiness. But they only got their independence, not the fruits they were after. These countries are the ones which prove Independence isn't a fix all.

What Independence is in fact, is a path. A path you can choose to take, or choose to wait on. But it is also a path which has many dangers, and if your not ready, it can be your undoing. The only thing you can do is make a judgement call and, if enough time is spent on it, hope that it is right. My advice: Make sure your eyes aren't bigger than your stomach.

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