The Scottish Government

I'm a 44 year old, father of 3 youngsters under the age of 5, and I run a business which employs people and contributes to our national exports.

So with all of these interests at heart, do I think Scotland would benefit from being independent? Do I think my children will benefit? Do I consider that my business will prosper in an independent Scotland?

Absolutely Yes. I'd go even further and say that I think that an independent Scotland will be a benefit to the rest of the world. The positive attitude, anti-nuclear and peace-loving policies which Scotland will become known for will add to a growing voice in global poltics. Our government will concentrate our cash on industries which can be sustainable in Scotland in the long term, and ensure that our unique combination of skills will keep Scotland driving technology and science forwards.

Let's grow up, take responsibility for ourselves, work hard, and reap the benefits of our labour.

1632 Ken Stevens England

Why the bitter answer.

You have enjoyed living in a country that is recognised around the world as a country. I would like to know what that feels like , before i die.

This is all about self determination, making our own decisions, Being Part Of Something, which I and many others in Scotland never felt. We are being ruled and governed by a remote entity. You can't possibly understand this , or how it feels , if you grew up in England.

Do you feel the same about Wales and Ireland, or is this just all about hating the Scots. I'm reading a lot about the nagativity towards the Scots lately in the English newspapers.

I believe the English should vote with the Scots on the issue of Independence. Then I know we would be Independent much quicker.

I doubt you would let us go though , as you couldn't do without the Revenue Scotlands' oil brings to London.

You would then be the poor neighbor. Mabey you would be dour then too!!!!

#1631

Be careful of what you wish for - Scotland leaving the Union means the end of Great Britain, and a Britain divided means a smaller English presence within the EU with all that that entails!!!

#1631

Timid Tim...when are you lot going to stop whining about the Scots and get your own independence.

1593. lorren - Scotland & USA
Saturday, September 29, 2007 05:32

"I just listened to an interview.. the President of Georgia....He could have been discussing contemporary Scotland."

Ah yes, I remember the independence celebrations of Georgia. My newspaper headlined it as "Georgia gains independence from dour northern neighbour" and everyone was waving flags bearing the Cross of St George.

Yep, Georgia was a great example.

For England.

I can't wait for Scotland to be totally independent. Then the other 90% of the UK can get on without having to listen to you lot wittering and whinging on - at our expense. I love the idea of an England free of Scottish politicians!

The referendum question proposed by the Scottish government is "I agree that the Scottish Government should negotiate a settlement with the Government of the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state. OR I do not agree that the Scottish Government should negotiate a settlement with the Government of the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state". I think that is un-necessarily complicated.

On the assumption that this "national conversation" really does mean the government is open to considering constructive suggestions, I would suggest re-wording it to something like

I agree Scotland should become an independent country.

or

I disagree that Scotland should become an independent country.

This takes the implication of support or otherwise for the SNP government out of the question. It also removes the word "state" which itself has some unfortunate implications. Yet this question would give a clear answer on whether or not the majority agree with the _principle_ of independence.

Now, obviously, if we have established decisive support for the principle of independence, it would then be necessary to conduct negotiations on the details of independence. These negotiations would be conducted by representatives of the Scottish Parliament, and, in particular, of the Scottish Government, and these representatives would report back on progress to the Government and the Parliament. That is so obvious it goes without saying, and, since it goes without saying, why complicate the question?

It could be argued that any such referendum could only be "consultative" and not "prescriptive". But, legally speaking, according to the theory of parliamentary sovereignty so emphasised in English law (less so in Scottish law, but we all know which one the establishment will arbitrarily choose to go with) exactly the same thing could be said about ANY referendum in the UK. So, regardless of the wording, the referendum will be seen as "consultative" anyway. However, the important thing to note is that, although in theory a British government could ignore the result of a referendum, no British government has in fact ever done so. Legally speaking, it may be possible. Politically speaking, it is impossible.

1625. Yea or Nay - Methil
Thursday, October 18, 2007 16:02

Quote:
>>>
My view is fairly straight forward. I care to think that when politicians make promises, they have to deliver on their promises.

It is sad to note that others prefer r the bigger picture of an 'independent Scotland' than care for the hopes and dreams of a few thousand hard-up students or the thousands of Scots pensioners on limited incomes dreaming for an end to council tax.
<<<
End quote.

So what have our 'socialist' brethren been doing about these issues for the last fifty years while they've been running Scotland for us, how about even just the last eight? and why, given your views on political promises(remember 'education,education,education', who abolished student grants and introduced loans, top-up fees and student endowments etc in the first place?...)would you still want to give them your mandate?

'Education, based on ability to learn rather than ability to pay'
Now who said that?
was it:
a)Tony Blair/Margaret Thatcher
b)Wendy Alexander/Gordon Brown
c)Fiona Hyslop/Alex Salmond

If AS did not mean we would shelter under the US nuclear umbrella then why did he say it? I, and many others, have yet to be convinced that AS is doing more than looking after his own narrow interests and taking the role of government seriously.

In believe that Scotland and her people need true sovereignty and 100% independence and political automomy with a true open clear and transparent democratic government.Anything less would not do, and we would be failing ourselves and our ancestors and forebears who worked and fought and died to keep the name of Scotland alive. A radical re-evaluation of the last three centuries is required to help us understand the historical background of how we got to be in this situation in the first place.Learning the lessons.We can do much better and we will.Scotland is waking-up to realise her true place in the world. Our culture is strong and we have stood the test of time, we are still here and we are not going away. If we sort out our land, forestry, teritorial waters, education system, energy needs, housing requirements,employment, food supply, languages, taxes, defence issues, indigenous skills, minerals and resources etc, etc,a great challenge, i could of course go on and on, we could then
hold our heads high and stand proud beside the other nations of the world. That would be something worthwhile passing on to our children, and our childrens children.