Evan,

>>Balkanization is bad for any nation.
>
>Balkanization means "to break up". This is not multiculturalism but just the opposite.

Well, from where I sit there are those here in the US that are using cultural differences for political purposes and I have seen it as very divisive and IMO hugely damaging to our nation. Have you noticed how everyone is all of a sudden saying things like, "We're not black or Irish or [fill in the blank] anymore - we're Americans!"? Well, untill this last week folks were tending dso see themselves as hyphenated Americans of victims of cultural differences. I'd just point to the evidence that's in front of our noses for my 'proof', if you will.

>
>>Stripping a nation of its commonly shared cultural identity is a great way to weaken it.
>
>There is no way to prove this statement. I challenge you to find academic work to support this and examples demonstrating this.

As I mentioned above I'm looking at the realith of what I have seen over the last 49 years. The events of last week provide me corrolary evidence. Beside, are you telling me that you believe everything these pointy-haired 'experts' have to say? <g>

>
>> Just look at you guys with your separatist movement where it's illegal to post signs in English only in Quebec.
>
>Off topic. This has nothing to do with multi-culturalism. In fact it is just the opposite.


Well, from what I've seen there has been a definite clash between those who want to promote French at any cost and those who don't Jim tossed an excellent bit of information out that I thought supported what I'm suggesting - by virtue of the fact that it has been resisted and so forth.

Perhaps we will just need to agree to disagree. My point is that the promotion of one culture over another in a nation is unhealthy.