The Scottish Government

Independence is the only option. The reasons for the Union are now long gone and as such Scotland and England should revert back to their original status as independent nations.

To become prosperous Scotland must become an independent nation-state once
again, as wealth follows power. Fiscal-federalism would not work as it would
likely decrease Scotland’s impact on the outside world while giving nothing but
additional spending powers to Holyrood. Leaving aside that debate, Scotland is
in a perfect position geographically to prosper as an independent state.
Small-countries in Europe generally outperform large ones – especially if they
have a far larger neighbour to undercut in terms of tax. Two examples of this
are Ireland and Denmark. Switzerland’s relationship with the surrounding larger
neighbours (Germany, France and Italy) is also similar. Finally, the remaining
oil and gas in the Scottish sector of the North Sea could easily provide
Scotland with the initial boost required to spark real economic regeneration.
The impact this course would have on Scotland’s culture creating a “can-do”
attitude would also be invaluable.

PS By way of clarification I am not a member of the SNP and therefore cannot speak on behalf of that party, but I believe that most who support constructive change in Scotland, whether through Independence or through continuing with the Union, generally share the sentiment I have expressed in post #81 and the belief that if there is presently any net subsidy flowing to Scotland from England under the current arrangements when all relevant factors are considered, then this is a burden we should not bequeath to our children, or ask our friends in the North of England, or Wales, to pay!

[80] The whole point is that we want to stand on our own feet and 'reap what we sow' in the knowledge that by doing so, while accepting that undoubtedly we will make some mistakes along the way, we can make a positive difference for our children and hopefully also be a strong (but distinctly Scottish) voice for others less fortunate in a rapidly changing world that regrettably, in spite of the many recent technological advances, is leaving many behind.

there is a pervading selfishness in much of what the SNP and its supporters promote. Nationalism, whether it be in UK, British or Scottish/English form, is an exclusory concept that also seeks to establish determined cultural and historical patterns. to simply place debates about independence in economic and and constitutional contexts belies the plural and diverse nature of the UK. Many in (northern) England and Wales are deeply distraught at the lack of concern or consideration of the SNP to stability provided by the current constitutional arrangements. Moreover, there is no consideration of the culturally-reductive implications of Scottish independence. You may reap what you sow

In response to Gavin Thompson - It would appear that my pro-British views have upset you and as one of this sites token unionists I am satisfied that I am doing my job correctly. Before I begin my 'rant' can I ask if there a reason why you continue to spell my name wrong? Is there a joke in there which I have missed?

Anyway, I must say that I found your monkey analogy very amusing, a bit off topic but amusing nonetheless. However, one thing confuses me (unsurprising I know given that I have an IQ of 12). You ramble on about Harry Lauder and Billy Connelly, again amusing, but are you suggesting that non-Scots view 'those' people north of the border as nothing more than a joke? Considering the contribution of Scots throughout the world, our sporting, technological and scientific achievements do you really believe that we are just seen as a nation of drunken, kilt lifting entertainers? Come on man!

Now if I have got the wrong end of the stick here then I apologise. I have a hangover you see from playing the drunken Scotsman at a weans party last night.

You also seem quite hostile to the fact that I consider myself British as well as Scottish. A Texan can consider himself a Texan and an American and many of our continental neighbours see themselves as European, as well as French, Dutch, German and so on. What’s wrong with having a duel identity? I know supporting the union is somewhat unpopular in today’s world of Braveheart, Alex Salmond and John Smeaton but what’s wrong with Britain and being British? And don’t give me the whole 'there holding us back' speech. I've heard it one too many times.

You also mention that 'people have no respect for their betters any more'. Are you suggesting that the English, and I’m assuming you mean English people, see themselves as better than us? Please!

Now my IQ of 12 may have hindered my interpretation so if I have misunderstood then I apologise. However, if I am correct then I say tush tush to such comments.

#74 Gavin Roberts - Glasgow

Thank you for the information. Can you point me to a source for confirmation? I am interested in this subject.

I have read different views on this, not least from a think tank in Switzerland that seemed to have the opposite view based upon the fact that Scotland is presently merely a Region within the State of the United Kingdom. It was part of a post somewhere. The only comparable situation I believe was Slovenia in the old Yugoslavia, which State eventually dissolved into its constituent parts. I believe the UK is a somewhat different case but the legal niceties are a little beyond me I am afraid.

In any event, whatever the outcome of that particular controversy, I believe there are many in Scotland who would prefer to be apart from the EU and associated with the EEA, like Norway. Those who believe this should be given an opportunity to express their preference in a referendum, and the attendant issues made public and discussed, as we are doing now with independence.

At present 63% of Scotland's exports are to England and only 17% to the other countries of the EU. Compare this with Norway's exports to the EU of 79%. Ireland's exports to the EU are 46%. These are two nations used ase comparisons with Scotland since they are both similar in population size. Significantly, the one outside the EU is the one with the highest exports to the EU. Therefore being outside the EU does not threaten our ability to trade with Europe.

http://www.scottishleftreview.org/php/public/pastissues.php?action=article&docid=352

One of my chief concerns is with the stability of the Euro and the likelihood that Scotland could well be seriously disadvantaged if she opts to join the Eurozone. The one size fits all usually doesn't work. Other concerns of course apply to the British Pound since Mr. Brown has maintained a strong pound to give London an advantage in the financial markets but has thereby undermined Scotland's export prospects outside the UK.

My own preference would be for Scotland to have her own currency and her own Reserve Bank, apart from the Bank of England. Post #28 under John Swinney's blog indicates the kind of arrangements I would prefer to see. After all Scottish political economists have pretty much written the book for the modern capitalist system so we should be able to handle our own affairs in that regard.

In answer to Craig Crich's missive 72

I am not surprised Craig Crich has latched on to several other ill-informed unionist contributors to bolster his case.

I'm not sure the 'I've got more in my gang' approach is particularly edifying either.

I think the debate can only benefit from the introduction of a few accurate statistics and facts - that have been introduced aplenty by a wealth of nationalist contributors. You never know Craig you might learn something.

I was a little taken aback by his comment at the end where he asks us nationalists 'to watch our tone'.

Presumably too many unwelcome facts are giving him a headache - people have no respect for their betters any more, tush tush.

In response to Crig Crooks missive 29.

I note with interest that Craig describes himself as a 'patriot'. However I am curious on this point and would like to expand on what I think he means.

The best analogy would probably be visiting the monkey house at the zoo.

You empathise with the monkeys, and want them to be happy and have good conditions.

You laugh at the monkeys, particularly when they itch their bum in a funny way, and here we pick up the thread originated by Harry Lauder lifting his kilt or more recntly by Billy Connolly imitating a Glasgow drunk - the Scots are good for a laugh, to laugh at that is, not with.

There's also an element of Disney's 'Song of the South' here, to quote Uncle Remus 'The white massa knows bes. We jus do as we's told and evrythin'll be alright'

This view is benign and paternalistic...its also pretty insulting.

Ultimately you know you are distantly related to the monkeys, but you are a bit better than them.

So it is with Craig Crich's 'patriotism'. Oh yes he's Scottish, but he's also British and thats what he's really proud of. He brings out the other identity at parties to entertain the children.

I would defend absolutely Craig Crich's right to hold these views and maybe there are some Scots who, like Uncle Remus think 'the white massa knows bes' -all luck to them.

Given the choice between the two identities I know which one I would choose. I leave it to all the rest of you with an IQ greater than 12 to make your own choice.

Stewart Stirling

So sad. Can I give you an example of anti English Xenophobia? Back in 1992 I was canvassing for the SNP in Maryhill. On knocking a door I was greeted by a very cheery middle aged working class (remember them?) man. He welcomed me to put my case. In conversation he explained his antipathy and general dislike of the English. There were more of them than us though. He was proud to be Scottish, pointing to various tartan artifacts around his home. I pressed him to explain his determination to vote Labour (that was in the days before new scottish labour). He was quite determined that by voting Labour he was putting one over the English because Scotland was too poor to survive on it's own and by getting a Labour government at Westminster Scotland would keep it's subsidies and he would be better off!

It could be you Stewart!