Thread: Scotland

I was hoping the great nation and people of Scotland would have voted to split away. But here in America we are fed strange distractions. I heard on the news it was a 55 to 45 split. Research the battle of Waterlloo. Those scotish men fought to the death and never gave up.

I followed this with interest,History tells us that almost all countrys that have separated from the mother country,have done far better without her.

It was a very interesting campaign. When I lived in Scotland (roughly '96-'03) the road to the referendum was just beginning to be paved with the introduction of the Scottish Parliament, etc. When the campaign really got going earlier this year I was sitting firmly on the fence, but two things changed that:
1) a visit to the UK during which I spoke to many friends I know, trust, and respect, all of whom were going to vote yes. Their reasons were not emotional or abstract (i.e. no blind nationalism) but rather reasoned and concrete
2) the patronizing, negative no campaign that culminated in a pretty blatant campaign of what really amounted to bribery

So I was hoping for a yes result last night, but am not bummed out by the result. Why? First of all, the incredible voter turnout - particularly amongst the young - bodes well for engagement in future elections. Hopefully the fact that the Scottish electoral system (for the Scottish Parliament if not yet Westminster) is more representative than many will help maintain that interest in future elections. And second, the fact that the campaign ran so close and required the panicked late campaign approach of the no side means that significant change *must* come to the UK political system and the relationship between the constituent parts of the Union. That is good.

And finally, I think Cameron is doomed. On the one hand the no campaign was ultimately successful, so he avoided being the PM that oversaw the breakup of the Union. But on the other hand, the promises made to eek out that victory are going to have many and wide-ranging effects. Tory backbenchers will be in revolt over having to meet those promises, and the people of other regions will (quite rightly IMHO) be asking very loudly why Scotland gets special treatment when they don't.

Interesting times ahead.

We are promised nothing and no special treatment. On and on and on,

As someone not living in Scotland i really have no reason to tell Scots what they should do. It's 100% up to them.

There's still plenty of areas in EU that are dreaming of independence, in my country too, Sami, Åland and SW Finland specially. Being part of EU but to separate from their motherland. Many still need to face the reality: currently they gain in being a part of the nation, they wouldn't have economic changes to get along on their own. In soma cases, specially Åland, it's also a strategic question: they couldn't arrrange their defence without Nato.

There was an amazing turnout and poeple are saying it shows that people are starting to take more interest in politics.

General and local elections usually have lousy turnout. Personally I think the Scots got such a good turnout as there was actually something to vote for this time.

In the other elections we have a choice between the mediochre of one camp and the mediochre of another camp. There is nothing inspiring as, whoever we vote for, the government gets in. They are all as useless as each other!

Gareth

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Well, the votes are in. Having Scottish ancestry (we came from somewhere around Loch Broom, near Ullapool apparently) I was a little curious how it would go.

While the idea that "they can take our lives, but they cannot take our freedom" does stir my heart, I can't say I am disappointed in the vote to remain in the UK. In this modern world there are many practical issues to face, and Scotland is still Scotland whether it is part of the United Kingdom or not.

Speaking of stirring the heart, this always gets my blood pumping. Enjoy!

Scotland The Brave - 51st Highland Division - YouTube

James.