Should Catalonia Secede?

Is Rajoy a 21st Century Lincoln?

Many of the seven million people living in Spanish Catalonia have fought for independence from Spain for decades.  Since Catalonia represents almost one-fifth of the population of Spain it's no surprise that the Spanish politicians are desperate to prevent them from seceding.  Just this week the central government in Madrid declared it "illegal" for the Catalan people to declare their independence.

The critical question becomes, if Catalonia ignores the commands of the people calling themselves "Spain" and decides to secede will Mr. Mariano Rajoy go all Abe Lincoln on them?