Self-rule introduced in Greenland

[muriel_volestrangler]

Source: BBC

The Arctic island of Greenland is assuming self-rule, in the latest step towards independence from Denmark.

The move follows a referendum on greater autonomy in November. It will see Greenland take a greater share of revenues from its natural resources.

The local government is taking control of the police and the courts. Greenlandic - or Kalaallisut - becomes the official language.

Denmark has the final say in defence and foreign-policy matters.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8111292.stm

[realisticphish]

1. interesting

there's a colony that NO ONE ever thinks about, at least in the US

[galileoreloaded]

2. Coming to a state near you, I fear......n/t

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. Self rule? Why do you have a problem with that?

:shrug:

[galileoreloaded]

5. Your right. Maybe we should let Alaska keep a larger percentage of their natural resource revenues..

and provide a smaller share to the Fed's. Or let Alabama decide to quit paying Federal exise taxes for aquaculture/shipping/timber sales/etc.

This is the part people need to pay attention to.
"It will see Greenland take a greater share of revenues from its natural resources."

This is an American libertarian's wet dream, and they are working hard towards it, and frankly winning. The Federal gov. is becoming less and less relevant as states are left to fend for themselves, and are passing sovereignty resolutions en mass.

Look at revenue collections. You think states and municipalities are worried about sending money to a great big pool so it can be redistributed to people who need it more than them?? Hell no, they are working on ways to avoid paying into the larger system. Think of the individual this year who took a 25% pay cut. First thing that person did was bump the exemption on their w-2 to 14, and will adopt a "wait and see" attitude until the end of the year. The IRS ain't so scary when your kids can't eat. In fact, most people in this circumstance will say "f@&k it", and not even file.

Camels nose under the tent, maybe not in Greenland, but here for sure.

Our economy ain't seen nothing yet. The fun hasn't even started yet.

[eggplant]

6. Thank you for your concern. n/t

[muriel_volestrangler]

7. There's all the difference in the world between Greenland and Alaska

Greenland is a dependency that was a form of colony, with a largely indigenous population, that is only linked to the more populous country due to a bit of historical politics and overseas power. If you want an American equivalent, it's more like Guam than Alaska.

[MajorChode]

12. That's probably a fair assessment

And just like Guam (actually more so), Greenland is more of a financial burden to Denmark than a financial asset. I suspect that's why they are ready to deep six the country. It will go downhill fast once Denmark cuts the cord, but if that's what the local population wants I say more power to them.

[Oregone]

4. Perfect time for Canada to take em over

Dust off the muskets

Maybe Greenland is having a Green Revolution!

[eppur_se_muova]

8. Strange ... I thought the name Greenland had been dropped ...

perhaps they dropped that idea.

http://uk.nanoq.gl/Websites/nanoq.aspx

[KamaAina]

9. I know it as "Kalaalit Nunaat"

and, in fact, once used that as a trivia question for a ticket giveaway on my college radio show.

edit: spelling

[eppur_se_muova]

11. Of course, that was what I was thinking.

It was on the tip of my tongue. :)

[5thGenDemocrat]

15. So, did anyone win the tickets?

I was pretty good at social sciences (geography, especially) and you could have traveled to Greenland and back before I'd have come up with the answer.
John
Of course, I went to school in the 60s and 70s. Our maps still noted "here be beesties" for that part of the world.

[Xithras]

16. IIRC, Kalaalit Nunaat simply means "Green Land" in Inuit.

The name is the same either way, it's simply the language of the speaker that decides which version to use.

Go to Mexico and ask someone what country lies across their northern border, and most Mexicans will respond "Los Estados Unidos". Same concept with Greenland/Kalaalit Nunaat.

[XemaSab]

10. Good for them

[norepubsin08]

13. Interesting Article

[Psephos]

14. Perhaps it will catch on in Iran. eom