17 Jan 07
Yes indeed dear readers,
The Union of Scotland and England which "celebrated" its 300th anniversary yesterday, passed by without any huge fuss. The westminster Government plan to mark the occasion by issuing a new £2 coin.
Is this because Scotland look poised to elect parties who support Independence in May?
You can tell Independence is on the agenda when Bliar, Brown and Reid et al start making all sorts of outrageous claims in support of the so called Union - mainly these are negative towards Independence and Scotlands ability to govern itself.
do people think the union has served its purpose?
my thoughts.......its time!
17 Jan 07
Originally posted by chris stephensIf it will stop the Scots from whingeing, then I'm all for it!
Yes indeed dear readers,
The Union of Scotland and England which "celebrated" its 300th anniversary yesterday, passed by without any huge fuss. The westminster Government plan to mark the occasion by issuing a new £2 coin.
Is this because Scotland look poised to elect parties who support Independence in May?
You can tell Independence is on ...[text shortened]... rn itself.
do people think the union has served its purpose?
my thoughts.......its time!
17 Jan 07
Originally posted by RedmikeSo far it's not. But lets be honest, they don't HAVE to let Scotland go. Heck, they don't seem to want to let Northern Ireland go and Scotland seems more desireable to me. At least Scotland has Scotch. Hehe.
It isn't really a question of England 'letting Scotland go'.
We'll decide for ourselves.
If Scotland wants independence and it's not going to lead to a flood of Scots fleeing to the rest of the U.K. I see no reason for Britain to want to hold on.
I don't see any reason why some sort of gradual transition to complete autonomy wouldn't solve most any unforseen issue. It's going to take a few years for any new governmental organization to get it's feet underneath them. While it's not as though Scotland has no governemnt experience, this will still be a bit new. Gotta have all them ambassadors and stuff.
I would think a healthy transition could be done within 3-5 years. The Scots have always been competent.
What are your thoughts Red? How long does a Scot like yourself think it would take?
17 Jan 07
Originally posted by MerkThe plan is to have a referendum, once we have a majority in the parliament (there are at least 3 pro-indepenance parties, and some individuals, with an election in May).
So far it's not. But lets be honest, they don't HAVE to let Scotland go. Heck, they don't seem to want to let Northern Ireland go and Scotland seems more desireable to me. At least Scotland has Scotch. Hehe.
If Scotland wants independence and it's not going to lead to a flood of Scots fleeing to the rest of the U.K. I see no reason for Britain to want to hol ...[text shortened]...
What are your thoughts Red? How long does a Scot like yourself think it would take?
There's some debate about how soon we have this referendum, but (assuming we get a majority), we'd then start negotiations with London. This would take a while - maybe a year or more. This would unravel finances, embassies and these kind of things.
So, a couple of yeears after a positive referendum result.
17 Jan 07
Originally posted by RedmikeAny talk about what currency Scotland would use?
The plan is to have a referendum, once we have a majority in the parliament (there are at least 3 pro-indepenance parties, and some individuals, with an election in May).
There's some debate about how soon we have this referendum, but (assuming we get a majority), we'd then start negotiations with London. This would take a while - maybe a year or more. Th ...[text shortened]... assies and these kind of things.
So, a couple of yeears after a positive referendum result.
17 Jan 07
Originally posted by chris stephensNot sure about the break-up of the union. If all this is the manifestation of anti-Englishness taken to the final conclusion, then count me out, I'm not being a part of an entire nation cutting its own nose off to spite its face. If, on the other hand, independence offers greater equality, a more equitable distribution of resources, greater opportunities for all, etc, then count me in. I will happily be part of an entire nation using its talents to act for everyones benefit, and not just within our own borders.
Yes indeed dear readers,
The Union of Scotland and England which "celebrated" its 300th anniversary yesterday, passed by without any huge fuss. The westminster Government plan to mark the occasion by issuing a new £2 coin.
Is this because Scotland look poised to elect parties who support Independence in May?
You can tell Independence is on ...[text shortened]... rn itself.
do people think the union has served its purpose?
my thoughts.......its time!
I have always wondered about national identity. What does it mean exactly? Even taking a relatively small country like Scotland as an axample, no Scot who has travelled within his/her own country can possibly claim we are united as one. Regional differences, economic differences, class differences, religious differences, inter-city differences, they're all there. A nationalistic fervour may initially paper over these cracks until independence comes, but not long after this is achieved, will we revert back to old ways or will a period of enlightenment engulf us all? I fear the latter. People in power very rarely give up their own priviledges easily. Independence I fear will not be a transfer of more power to the people, merely the perpetration of the elites which currently exist in our country, albeit with a more placatory electorate ripe for divisions to once again be reignited in classic divide and rule tactics.
The above are pieced together thoughts on the spur of the moment. If you want to give me the basis of a more positive outlook, I am willing to listen to what anyone says on this matter.
17 Jan 07
Originally posted by RedmikeFair enough; although I suspect the opinion polls have got it about right (32 per cent support in Scotland for independence).
It isn't really a question of England 'letting Scotland go'.
We'll decide for ourselves.
As a northerner, I wonder what proportion of English folk would support Scottish independence...
I'm also genuinely interested to know how your socialism fits with your nationalism.
