31 Oct 06
would the independance of the home nations be a good thing?
it is often discussed, especially regarding scotland, but personally i'd rather it didn't happen.
we all share the same culture, and to me the differences are in name only, but then i'm english and perhaps would feel differently if governed from edinburgh/cardiff/belfast.
31 Oct 06
Originally posted by london nickI think that it would be a good thing.
would the independance of the home nations be a good thing?
it is often discussed, especially regarding scotland, but personally i'd rather it didn't happen.
we all share the same culture, and to me the differences are in name only, but then i'm english and perhaps would feel differently if governed from edinburgh/cardiff/belfast.
It would stop all the bickering about who is paying for what, settle the 'Lothian' dispute, and satisfy the wishes of a growing number of citizens in all parts of the kingdom.
31 Oct 06
Yes, England Wales and Scotland should be self governing. Not sure about Northern Ireland, but it would be good if they could self govern.
We would still share history, but what with Europe having strong powers - it is better to have more accountable elected representatives.
Besides the Scottish MPs shoud spend more time in Scotland and less time commuting.
31 Oct 06
Originally posted by Philodori'm all for self determination, but i think each nation gains more through being united e.g sharing north sea oil, taxes from the city, tourism etc.
I think that it would be a good thing.
It would stop all the bickering about who is paying for what, settle the 'Lothian' dispute, and satisfy the wishes of a growing number of citizens in all parts of the kingdom.
i also think we have so much shared history and culture that really we are one nation not four.
hmmm thinking about it i guess i just like the idea of the UK more than an independant England without too much to back it up!
31 Oct 06
Originally posted by PhilodorIt is the West Lothian question I think you're alluding to.
I think that it would be a good thing.
It would stop all the bickering about who is paying for what, settle the 'Lothian' dispute, and satisfy the wishes of a growing number of citizens in all parts of the kingdom.
I'm not aware there was that much bickering, other than amongst a few politicians, about who pays for what.
For me, it is an issue of self-determination. If Scotland wants to be independant, and votes accordingly, then we should have it.
Arguements about whether we'd be better off economically or not and the like are secondary to the basic, democratic principle.
31 Oct 06
Originally posted by PhilodorI have to disagree with you here Philidor (wow, thats two issues now, religion and devolution, where will it end?!) From a Scottish perspective independence would be disasterous in every sense; economic, social, political; you name it. In fact, this is so serious that, were Scotland to becomeindependant, I would move to England.
I think that it would be a good thing.
It would stop all the bickering about who is paying for what, settle the 'Lothian' dispute, and satisfy the wishes of a growing number of citizens in all parts of the kingdom.
31 Oct 06
Originally posted by RedmikeSince when have Communists argued for basic democratic principles? You excel yourself Redmike!
It is the West Lothian question I think you're alluding to.
I'm not aware there was that much bickering, other than amongst a few politicians, about who pays for what.
For me, it is an issue of self-determination. If Scotland wants to be independant, and votes accordingly, then we should have it.
Arguements about whether we'd be better off economically or not and the like are secondary to the basic, democratic principle.
31 Oct 06
I think it would be a shame too. I think the Union is almost, though not entirely, unique in the world and is something worth preserving. However, I can understand why the Scots and Welsh might be a bit fed up with being Westministers guinea pigs.
I also think that if there is to be a vote, the issue, particularly of Scotland, is such a serious change in the make up of the UK that both the Scots and the English should vote on the subject.
01 Nov 06
Originally posted by princeoforangeAnd why's that then?
From a Scottish perspective independence would be disasterous in every sense; economic, social, political; you name it. In fact, this is so serious that, were Scotland to becomeindependant, I would move to England.
What is unique about Scotland that, with her own people in control, everything would be a disaster?
Your comment about moving to England was almost exactly what I read in a poisonous Daily Record editorial in my early teens. The sheer irrationality of it made me decide there and then that Scottish independence was the way forward.
Your post just reeks of self-loathing.
01 Nov 06
1 edit
Originally posted by sylvanderAs an outsider(an australian with competing federal and state governments) it would seem that any breakup would lead to new bureacracies being spawned and a duplication within each nation of what currently is served from Whitehall.
And why's that then?
What is unique about Scotland that, with her own people in control, everything would be a disaster?
Your comment about moving to England was almost exactly what I read in a poisonous Daily Record editorial in my early teens. The sheer irrationality of it made me decide there and then that Scottish independence was the way forward.
Your post just reeks of self-loathing.
Apart from the nationalistic pride thing of I am (insert component nationality here) and proud of it what does it actually improve? While it may initially improve matters for some, over time as trade changes etc mean that while now a constituent part of the UK may seem to be carrying an undue burden, what if that trade dies out.
Surely the best part about the UK is its economic profile.
Break that up into little parts and then what do you have in terms of incentives when it comes to trade with other nations who insist on some level of reciprocity to make your products look attractive?
01 Nov 06
Originally posted by london nickwhy don't y'all rotate the capital and all the beauracracies that go with it? trimming them down for portability?
would the independance of the home nations be a good thing?
it is often discussed, especially regarding scotland, but personally i'd rather it didn't happen.
we all share the same culture, and to me the differences are in name only, but then i'm english and perhaps would feel differently if governed from edinburgh/cardiff/belfast.
about 50 years from now it'll be London's turn again. or however many provinces there are.
01 Nov 06
Originally posted by princeoforangeOh No!!! Scottish asylum seekers!!!
I have to disagree with you here Philidor (wow, thats two issues now, religion and devolution, where will it end?!) From a Scottish perspective independence would be disasterous in every sense; economic, social, political; you name it. In fact, this is so serious that, were Scotland to becomeindependant, I would move to England.
We'd better get started on the Carlisle reception centre.
No, wait! - We can send them to Kent and load them onto cross-channel ferries in a sweet twist of revenge upon the French.
01 Nov 06
Originally posted by zeeblebotWhy doesn't the white house up sticks and move around each of the states once a year?
why don't y'all rotate the capital and all the beauracracies that go with it? trimming them down for portability?
about 50 years from now it'll be London's turn again. or however many provinces there are.
Exactly.
01 Nov 06
Originally posted by princeoforangeThat's just nonsense. Surely you don't really believe that old tosh anymore?
Well because Scotland is currently heavily funded by the English and has a population so heavily reliant on the benefits system that it is not sustainable by Scottish taxpayers.
And thats just the economic side.
We've already seen that the London government lied in the 1970s to keep Scotland in the Union, because it would have meant economic disaster for England otherwise.