The Scottish Government

the political commentator - brian taylor - seems to be extremely unbiased, compared to the others such as glenn campbell, ian mcwhirter, ian martin & so on all seem to me to be strong unionists & i don't think that they send out a fair message.
is the media british controlled?
why are the same stupid questions being asked by jo public - could scotland go it alone?
scotland would thrive as never before - the wealth that is sucked out of this country every year by the british means that they can't afford to loose us!
putting the economics aside - we should have full independance as the present situation is not a union but a province.
we are a different people from them & we are being used by them.

598. Andrew Auchterlonie - Kirkcaldy

That is exactly how I feel.

The SNP have argued that in some ways we are being short-changed.

I've seen their case and I admitt that they are right.

If we were Under Labour would Labour of been open about what exactly Scotland has lost out on?

Money being diverted to the London Olympics for example.

581. PMK - Ayrshire
Friday, May 2, 2008 13:49

Re: “Patriotism" also maybe implies more state-nationalism (of the status-quo); whereas "nationalism" by itself I think of more as either against the current situation, or neutral.

In any case, the language used is always so important in framing any debate. Its interesting that we hold such differing views on two crucial terms”

I think the difference is one of perspective; using your definitions, I wish to preserve my nation (GB) whereas you wish to un-do the current position & create one more to your liking (a Scotland out of the Union)

I agree that the language used is very important in framing debates but unsaid assumptions/prejudices are important too.

I’ve tried to avoid getting involved in the ‘Empire row’ that often surfaces here but I guess, in truth, how one feels about GB IS influenced by how one feels about the Empire.

Simplistically, my feelings are you Scots were with us English when (together) we founded the Americas, you were with us when we built the BRITISH Raj & fought alongside us in countless colonial not to mention two World Wars.

I think part at least of my wanting GB to remain is based on not wishing to loose our past (shared) experiences.

I wonder how much how one feels about the Empire influences how one feels about belonging to GB?

I think that Wendy who's recent conversion to supporting a referendum on independence is the strongest indication that Labour n Scotland is on the run and makng desperate attempts to undermine the legitimate debate on the constitutional future of Scotland. It is vital that when a referendum is offered to the people of Scotland that they understand what choices they have The right to self government or being ruled by a self serving Westmnster government who have never served the interests of Scotland or it's people. We are a small country but we are a country that has agreat wealth of natural resources and are an innovative and confident people who with the will can and will become an independent nation that we can all be a proud of.
I have to pont out that I have always believed the Scotland can be a successful independent nation and I have never been a member of the SNP

[#595] With all due respect, it does not sound as if you and your partners have thought very deeply about this, but presumably you have also consulted your employees and that they share your thinking?

The economic arguments are far from “jingoistic”, and now that the benefits to an Independent Scotland of its oil revenues have finally been ‘officially revealed’, there is no longer any excuse for ignorance in this regard. The fact that the SNP government has already made moves that favour small businesses in Scotland, and indicated a willingness to do more, should actually be encouraging small businesses in England to move here, not the reverse. How much more could an Independent Scotland do for Scottish businesses, and their employees, if it were not compelled to fund those elements of the expensive 'UK overhead' that most Scots are against, never-mind ‘UK infrastructure’ costs focussed on London that provide little benefit to those outside of the South East of England?

The ‘monumental change’ to which you refer has to some extent already happened with the transfer of many of Westminster’s powers to Brussels (or Strasbourg) and some to Holyrood, but what has not changed is that most decisions that are still made by Westminster are made in a ‘British context’ rather than a ‘Scottish context’, fishing being an obvious example. This situation has resulted in Scotland, in spite of its considerable natural resources, lagging the UK in economic growth which is key to improving the quality of life of our citizens and the aspirations of our children. Therefore, rather than fear some more change you and your partners, and your families and friends, should look forward to the increased prosperity that will undoubtedly come as more Scots work together towards a common vision of an ambitious but compassionate country.

I am totally, 100% against independence. I agree with most of the points made my SMC at 589. Let's stop the Balkanisation of the UK. I don't want to hand in my British passport. I would rather leave the country than live in an independent statelet run by emu style policitiacians, who seem to have forgotten about globalisation and EU legislation. Becoming independent will not stop English people buying houses in the Highlands. It will cost a fortune and we'll be poor for a generation or two.

#595
David, you're a fortunate man to have spent all your life in Scotland. I had to emigrate in 1971 because Scotland didn't have a job for me, but after squeezing every last penny I could out of the English economy I brought all my wealth back to Scotland in my retirement. If you want to emigrate when we get independence, good luck to you. I hope you enjoy living in a country where even the 'intelligent middle classes' couldn't place Inverness and Aberdeen on a map ... and who don't care either.

With it looking like a Tory government in waiting at Westminster, Independance should be an easy choice. Independance must happen to avoid the Tory devastation of the 80s repeating. With the SNP in government (although minority) there is a feel good factor about Scotland, and they are a breath of fresh air. They are exposing the many flaws of Westminster governance. Lets stand on our own feet. We are better than wwhat many give us credit for. Free Scotland. Saor Alba.

Just tell us how much a litre of four star will be in an independent Scotland that doesn't have to finance Labour/Tory wars and nuclear weapons and we'll all vote for independence

Presumably at the point of independence all Scottish MP's cease sitting at Westminster?