[fblike]

l_2Today’s R&D is brought to you by Prepd, the only software built specifically for extemp. Prepd makes it easy to research, practice, and compete!  Visit www.prepd.in to learn more. Like Prepd on Facebook for special info and contests.

This R&D provides resources on Spain’s Catalan independence movement.  The region, which enjoys some political and cultural autonomy, has created some headaches for Spanish authorities in recent years.  Last year, Artur Mas, who heads the Catalan regional government, called a referendum on Catalan independence, a referendum that Spanish authorities refused to recognize.  After Mas promised that independence would come if pro-independence parties won a majority in regional elections, Spain moved to indict him for abuse of power.  The Catalan independence movement is one of many independence movements forming in Europe, with the other notable one being Scotland’s drive for independence from Great Britain.