The Scottish Government

Those of us lucky enough to have been born and bred in Scotland, and some of those who have adopted our country as home, understand the reasons we want independence.
Many of us have wished for independence since childhood, whilst living through some cringing experiences as a result of being attached to England.(need I mention 1966, or the multitude of times on our 'national' tv when Britain is referred to as England?)
It is nothing to do with the people of England, (we all have friends and relatives living there) some of whom tend to take our desire for separation as a personal issue. Surely they would be glad to ditch us if we are costing them as much in extra taxes as they say. It is more to do with a meeting of minds, a pride in our own country, a feeling of unity with our own heritage and traditions, our landscapes, language and culture; a desire to be "Scotland as a nation, not a subsection of England", which Scots all over the world will understand. And now we have found a leader in Alex Salmond, one who also has the capability to ensure the national economics match the passion.

to post 384
just to say this is a forum for independence.
when the other union guys were in power where was their forum?

independence is not about hating anyone
it is merely the restoring of the right to run ones own nation
there were advantages one time in the union
these are thin on the ground
dumping the blame on people instead of exploitative corporations doesnt add to any debate
the system as it is doesnt offer the same rights to everyone nor are incomes in line with inflation
housing in this nation costs far more than many working people can afford
if You are wealthy or well paid you are fortunate
there are a majority who are not and they are not always to blame
ageism is real so is prejudice
i have been referred to as foreign
i am not smug
iwant to see freedom for the purpose of
the nation working out the future
unionism has had hundreds of years since 1707 to get it right
they failed
left and right wing
where are their answers to homelessness poverty lousy pensions power sharing for a start?
people can defend the union till the cows return
but it dont work
the call for independence was fuelled by the union failing millions of people.
you cant dump the blame on the snp
they only won power less than a year ago.
thepoliticians who were voted out last May dont give any praise to the snp.
why?

Ellis Sims - And its also hearty to see many more supporters of Scottish Independence! What is Britain anyway? The Welsh are the only ones who have the slightest right to call themselves "British"

#388: Alan Thomson

Scotland's identity stronger?
Prior to the Union Scotland had formed alliances, traded extensively (Baltic states) - was renowned for its education system.

Scotland's identity was virtually eradicated by the Union - and today "Britain" equals England to many outwith the British Isles.

You state: "There are many celebrations around the world for Scotland and the UK". Please elaborate, we are not living in the time of the Empire.

383. G Goodall - Glenrothes: "Maybe you haven't been paying attention Donna"

Donna didn't sneer at you, didn't ridicule you or your point of view, didn't imply you're stupid, didn't say that her opinion was the only sensible one, didn't try and bully or insult you or any unionists. She simply stated her own opinion and her wishes.

Mind you, with so many second homes in Scotland having sent house prices thru the roof, (same as Wales and parts of England), there are many can't afford to buy their own home, and have to live with mummy and daddy. If they're lucky!

385. ge - Wishaw

Very good post, the union is holding us back and the thought of another ten years of English Tory rule sends a shiver done the spine.

Why is the gap between rich and poor at its highest?, why is the national wage 23% higher down south?, why do we not have our own TV corporation? why do we get treated as a region of England?

Alan (387 388),

Sorry son read a bit more about your history how was Scotland disregarded? and surely Scottish identity and celebrations would be greatly increased by becoming Independent, just look to our Irish Cousins.

Stop living in the past, and in case you have forgotten the SNP got more seats than Labour, minority get out more.

To respond to #376

If you want to talk about history then an independent Scotland was poor and disregarded as a country around the world. The United Kingdom of GREAT Britain however has an extensive history and we have achieved far more together than we ever did apart.

If you look at the Scottish identity - it is now stronger and more renowned around the world than it has been. There are many celebrations around the world for Scotland and the UK.

I don't want independance and if all nationalists were honest they would say that most people are very happy with how they have it now. It is only because they do not shout about being part of the union that they are not heard. Nationalist are a minority but they have always shouted.

independence will come
and belittling the snp
will do zero to change that
the union is the past
independence the future
like the dodo the union is gone
it cannot be revived
its past
finito
kaput
i want independence
yet i have never been a member of the snp
there are plenty of people in this nation who want independence
it is not about tartan or haggis
it is about the right to work out the future without having to go to london
that is how it is
arguing for the union is too late
unionists had their day
they did nothing to help people who are not part of british prosperity
independence is the future
you can hate the idea of freedom
nonetheless you cant turn time around
devolution then independence
that is how it works.