Why Is It Okay For Some Countries To Gain Independance But Not Others?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2758795/Europe-divided-Map-shows-continent-look-separatist-movement-got-wish.html

Isn't it strange that the whole of the Western world rejoiced when certain countries broke away to form independent countries, ie the Eastern European countries, Yugoslavia etc etc. Yet when Scotland wishes to break away from the UK all hell is let loose, why?

[jim360]

Because Scotland's part of our country.

[RATTER15]

I havent seen "all hell let loose" surely people are just being given a choice/ Should that not be the way?

[Baldric]

Scotland is a Country to the North of my Country, not part of it, that's why it has a different name!

[Gromit]

// countries broke away to form independent countries, ie the Eastern European countries //

Don't quite follow that. Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria etc were independent countries before the Soviet Union invaded them. In the end, the will of the people prevailed and they got rid of the Russians (well some of 'em).

If Scotland wants a separation, it will vote for one. Idications are that it doesn't.

[kvalidir]

There has been a fair amount of alarmist twaddle and over sentimental claptrap being spouted though ( don't break up our 'family'- seriously????) which if believed would lead the Scots to think that in the future they'll be relegated to living in mud huts and eating any stray sheep they are lucky enough to encounter.
I'm not Scottish but if I were I'd be a yes vote.

[Old_Geezer]

Personal interest. Plus this is a single island so the boundary seems unnecessary and the potential break away equally so.

[jim360]

There's been alarmist twaddle from both sides. Since the one who has the most to prove is the "Yes" vote it's up to them really to persuade people to want to leave. The No campaign is closest to the "case for the defence". It would be wrong to convict someone because the defence counsel is useless.

[kvalidir]

It's not a court case Jim, no-one should have to 'prove' anything ( but I think history- and recent history at that does that quite nicely).
Scotland is a separate country to England, and I think this very simple concept which a lot of English people don't seem to grasp is what fuels the Yes campaign the most- along with truly cringe worthy nonsense like this- this must've given the yes campaign a real boost.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElOzxDJ607U

[RandyMarsh]

I have not noticed all hell being let loose.

[anotheoldgit]

Gromit

/// Don't quite follow that. Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria etc were independent countries ///

As Scotland was.

[anotheoldgit]

RandyMarsh

/// I have not noticed all hell being let loose. ///

Then where have you been?

[whiskeryron]

The West Midlands has nothing to do with London & I don't see why we should have to do what they tell us in Westminster, please could we have a referendum to break away from the Etonites & rule ourselves ?

[bednobs]

i have also not noticed all hell breaking loose

[Old_Geezer]

Only let loose on AB ;-)

[jim360]

It's not a court case but the analogy is strong -- the Yes campaign has to make its case far more than the No campaign does. That's always true whenever anyone proposes change of one form or another. Voting, or supporting, the Yes campaign because of bad "no" campaigning, meanwhile, overlooks the occasionally seriously nasty tactics from "yes" supporters. The separation between the two countries is far, far less significant than some people are making out, I think. There's just far less of a case for independence culturally, politically and socially than in, for example, the Eastern European countries AOG mentions. There was active subjugation under the Soviet/ puppet regimes.

Tensions are clearly simmering. Tomorrow and particularly on Friday they will most likely come to the boil. Especially if it's a "no" vote.

[boxtops]

Friday's spoutings from the Yes group will be interesting to see, if there's a No vote. I'll take bets that they will lay the blame at everyone's door but their own - but the electorate will have spoken, they will have to accept it.

[Baldric]

You're surely not suggesting the 'Yes' group would be Bad Losers are you?

[kvalidir]

I don't think it's less significant at all Jim, I think the people of Scotland mostly appreciate how important this is, they can choose to be a nation or a region.
There will be trouble and bad feeling whichever way this goes imho precisely because it's important to people.

[naomi24]

Boxy, I don't think they will let it rest. According to Mr Salmond the other day, "A 'No' vote is a 'Yes' vote in waiting" - or words to that effect.

[Hopkirk]

The break up of Yugoslavia was not exactly a peaceful affair, AOG.

Also I don't think the world rejoiced about it.