Huh? Oh Well…
There are polls, and then there are polls. Rasmussen has a nominally fine reputation, but,
“While Great Britain is holding its breath today to see if the Scots vote for independence, most Americans (51%) have no opinion about the referendum and only 33% think most of their fellow countrymen can even locate Scotland on a map.”
I’ll admit I’ve been watching this thing with a certain sense of wonder, AND I CAN find Scotland on a map.
This astute lot at TAH might have a different view, but I hope it passes. I believe there are a coupla states here exploring a similar idea. And part of Spain, etc.
The door may be opening? Rupert Murdoch has an opinion too.
I dunno.
Category: Geezer Alert!
I will respect how they vote. But that being said, I do not believe they have the economic backbone and revenue to stand alone as a sovereign nation.
Their only real export is whiskey.
It’s Scotland’s oil in the North Sea.
To an extent, but do they have the resources, infrastructure and logistical capability to move it as a nation and still compete, say with the Middle East?
Good question.
I agree with Murdoch here, although I think if Scotland vote for independence they are making a terrible mistake economically, I feel there a certain tiredness with big government. The European community is the perfect example of this, bullshit laws pushed on all countries because the European paraliment is a joke.
I’m born and breed Irish who served two tours in Afghanistan as a U.S soldier and I can see the similarity between EEC and american states. Everyday more and more power is taken from the hands of Joe and given to big government.police with Mraps and body armor, armed to the teeth, for what ?
I know I’m sick of it, but I don’t see a solution to any of it without a country united.
To be honest, I haven’t been following this too closely. And yes, I know where Scotland is on a map.
My question is whether or not Scotland even has the infrastructure to run independently and successfully. You can’t just declare independence willy-nilly. If you rely on another portion nation for the majority of your production/goods/sales/etc, you’re not going to have a good time.
For instance, the American Colonies were the vast majority of the British Empire’s GDP when it broke away. We were more than capable of sustaining ourselves, and doing it damned well. In contrast, you see countries like India that broke away from the same Empire, but simply weren’t ready for it, and arguably still aren’t. Their major health issues (compounded by a socialist medical care system), high poverty level, and the like, are all signs of a nation that wasn’t ready to sustain itself for independence.
Unless you have the “long train of abuses” that Jefferson and Locke talk about to justify a claim of independence to the heavens, and the economy to back it up, you might as well stick around until you’re *really* ready to, or have good reason to.
There is zero benefit for splitting other than an ideological one, but when their economy collapses and they are left without defense it won’t even matter if they are “free”.
Allowing 16 year olds to vote basically sums up the stupid over there.
Been there, so I know where it is. If the Scots want more socialism and welfare, suck it up and enjoy.
Until they run out of other people’s money.
They have their own identity so why sever ties? Don’t take my word for it, just call any Scot a bloke. God Save the Queen.
Okay, here’s the problem:
The SNP has a hard and solid core of socialists who have stated that they intend to make Scotland a neutral country and nuclear-weapon free.
The instant that Scotland votes for independence, they are no longer a part of NATO and no longer a part of the EU. They no longer have access to either the Pound Sterling, or the Euro. In short, they have no currency either.
The Royal Navy will be forced to relocate their 4 Trident-armed SSBN’s from the Clive and the US will be forced to relocate their nuclear sub base at Holy Loch. When they go, so does all that income from base leases, and the Navy paychecks that flooded into the area after deployments. The Scots also will no longer be getting funds from those areas used by NATO for air combat and strike mission training.
Scots may have difficulty traveling, since their passports are currently UK passports. They’ll have to make and issue their own.
It’s likely not to make any difference, however, as it looks at this hour as if the vote will be to stay with the UK, and to my mind that’s a good thing.
Tim, The US base at Holy Loch has been closed for years. Only thr Brits would have to relocate. A moot point now, but a very valid one.
And I’m betting most of us can identify Scotland on a map. It’s that area north of Hadrian’s Wall. 🙂
For the record, I can not only locate Scotland on a map, I can draw one of northwest Europe with Scotland and other points of interest identified. I know a little bit about the topography, and have some knowledge of the history (enough to recognize the more glaring inaccuracies in “Braveheart”) and distinct culture of Scotland. I even know that there are multiple Scottish accents that are not the same, though honestly I’m fucked if I can tell the difference between them. As you all know, I’m American. From California. And I’ve never been to Scotland (though it’s on the bucket list).
As far as the referendum, who knows? Past wrongs vs. present realities vs. FREEEEEDOMMMM!!! vs. oil vs. fuck the EU vs…Jesus, this is getting confusing! I’m starting to wish I drink just trying to make sense of it!
UK press is reporting the referendum was 55-45 in favor of remaining a part of the UK. For now, the U in UK still stands for “United”.
It seems that First Minister Alex Salmond put it all – his effectiveness, his legacy, his career – on one throw of the dice and it came up craps. The road ahead for Scotland is pretty clear, lads and lassies … but for Mr. Salmond? Hmmm.
You can take our lives, but you’ll never take our FREEEEEEDOOOOMMMMMM!!!!
Too soon???
Peoples Republik of Skotland….of the 59 Scottish members of Parliament, and only one is a conservative (Tory).
Nod to Yogi: Scots are 98% labour/liberal democrat, and the other half is conservative. ;>)
Good.
Note to self: Never, ever spend another dime in Glasgow.
Wht the hell would I want to find Scotland on a map?
No need at all, AC! Should you ever decide to visit the place, all you need is a pilot who knows how to find it. Or at least get you in the neighborhood. I can recommend entry into Scotland via both train and boat. It used to be a very pleasant place to visit.
I think think they should have let the English vote, it may have turned out differently. Scotland receives more money per capita than the rest of the UK. Something like 1700 Pounds per Scot vice 1000 pounds per english or welsh. The scots are more rabidly green than the rest of the UK. One could almost say Libtarded.