Spain’s leader fired the government of the rebellious Catalonia region

I am so sad for the people of Spain. That a large group in the wealthiest region in Spain, with one of the highest degrees of autonomy in that nation - including their own language and culture, police, education, health, communication and so on - believe themselves to be "oppressed by the State" - because they need to pay their fair share of taxes and follow the Constitution (that they overwhelmingly approved) - is beyond belief. How narrow minded, how careless and self-centered. I don't have a very high opinion of Mr. Rajoy and his party, but Catalan's secessionist groups just jumped into the abysm, bringing with them not only the Catalan region, but the entire Spain. Good luck and clear minds to everyone, you are really going to need it.

Seems to me the Catalan Parliament were forced into a corner and had no option BUT to vote for Independence to be declared, very shortly BEFORE the vote in Madrid to suspend their own Parliament, with Madrid having refused to even talk to the Catalans.

Now much is up to the EU and the UN, and the international community who, until now, have been noticeably absent.

The solution is easy: Madrid offers to sanction a peaceful Referendum, at which all Catalans can vote without fear of violence or "illegality".

Good luck and best wishes to Catalonia - and Spain.