Scottish Referendum

[kylesmum]

Why do 'some' people think they're voting for/against Alex Salmond?

Is ignorance bliss?

Just curious...

[mikey4444]

"Scotland is about to choose between running all its own affairs or leaving that up to its neighbour"

Scotland already has its own Parliament, brought about by the landslide Labour victory of 1997. This Parliament has 129 MSPs, against only 59 MPs that are elected to Westminster, so the Scots already have a good self-governance.

Scotland plays its part in the administration of the UK, just like Wales and NI does it, because it send its MPs to Westminster. You talk as if England was lording it over Scotland like some distant part of the Empire !

Small-minded nonsense, which is the chief reason that this vote for independence will fail.

[jim360]

I think that's a better argument for Independence than on specific policies but I happen to think it's a no-brainer in precisely the opposite direction! Still, I suppose the point is that my argument is to vote on principles rather than policies; for me the principle is that increased localisation doesn't make sense in the modern world or in the future. For others if their principle is that this form of localisation does make sense for them then they should absolutely vote "Yes".

[KARL]

Oh, I forgot one important point: It is noticeable how some talk down to those who have an opposite view and suggest they are silly - or worse.

[jim360]

Wouldn't that also include saying that your position in a no-brainer...?

I do hope that people don't vote one way or another because of personalities and the priority should be the principle of how you think Scotland should be governed. But realistically the option that even Salmond seems to be pitching for is a "devo-max" version of Independence. Retaining its membership of the EU, the Monarchy, the pound, etc, while having more powers to st tax rates and the like. This seems to be more easily achievable by remaining in the UK but seeking more powers for the Scottish Parliament. Then they would have all the powers but far, far less of the hassle of having to renegotiate memberships and treaties and the like.

[mikey4444]

Nowhere have I said that you were silly Karl, just mistaken. This is an adult debate, not the Mothers Union and you should be prepared for your views to be challenged in a robust fashion.