MSM putting on the frighteners to swing the NO vote. My own view is that Scotland will separate. Scottish nationalism is not to be underestimated. (Interesting note below that NAB owns Clydesdale bank along with a Lloyds off-shoot.)
I'd like to see the Yes vote get up but I have my doubts. Should be an interesting few days up to the vote
On the one hand independence is a noble ideal, on the other remember the saying "United we stand, divided we fall." As I said in the other thread, follow the money: It's a huge circus to occupy peoples minds while a small group of people salivate at the prospect of profiting massively from the last remnants of the North Sea oil and gas reserves. Either way, I hope for the best for the Scottish people, and no matter what the result they should be admired for their courage and willingness to challenge the status quo. And they deserve respect rather than the idiotic and cowardly sniping from people like Tony Abbott calling them "not the friends of freedom" for exercising their freedom to choose.
Latest poll was that the no vote was in the lead. Very possible that the one poll with Yes leading was an outlier. Still, they can keep doing this every few years until they win.
God save the Queen yes because nothing will save the labor party in England if the yes vote gets up. Kind Regards non recourse
Regardless of the rhetoric, Scotland's devolution from the UK is dependent on whether or not the City of London allows it. If they are allowed to split from the union, it will be because the gas/oil is running out and their social welfare is a drain on the UK's treasury. If they stay in the union, it will be because there is more financial and strategic benefit to the City of London.
If Scotland secedes, we can invite them to join Australia as our seventh state. Won't help our Rugby team but will strengthen the Soccer team. This move will also allow Abbott to have us join NATO, something he would love. Scotland could then use the Aussie dollar and our defence forces. Solves their problem. Collectively, we could take the Union Jack off our flag and replace it with the variation of the Greek flag that Scotland uses.
As of right now, the major bookmakers in England, Scotland and Ireland are paying approximately 3-to-1 for a 'Yes' result. Implied probability of a 'Yes' result is ~33%. Do your own research, but I've bet on a 'No' result.
Are you serious? The Saltaire has nothing to do with the Greek flag. Having Scottish links I understand their enthusiasm for independence but remain amazed at those with the 'Yes' mindset believe the North Sea oil will solve all their problems. Also having listened to Alex Salmond speaking about the topic of independence he almost entirely speaks about what he can do with an independent tax base. As in, spend more taxpayers money on any problem will solve it. The Scottish National Party are economically a national socialist party and supporters hate the economy being brought up as it always brings them undone. Plus I've been saying for months that the independence movement is not really promising independence, they are selling complete dependence on the European Union. And nice surprise, Nigel Farage has this week been saying the same. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mZDqPpFU38[/youtube] And as an Anglophile, I will forever support the Union that is the United Kingdom.
did any one know that over the past 30 years scotland has produced more oil than dubai and abu dhabi combined? Source: www.1001campaign.com
Unfortunately much of the easily recoverable reserves are gone. There may be only 10 to 20 years of viable production remaining with extraction costs increasing over that time. Politicians are being disengenuous by campaigning with promises of future oil riches that will be showered upon an independent Scotland for many decades to come. Suppose the Yes vote prevails... even a couple of decades of oil profits would be spectacular, and it should be used to build a base for future industries so Scotland can grow and prosper. Will it though? Doubtful beyond some early token measures. Why would it if the easy oil money will keep on flowing for several decades? The people will demand tax cuts. And better services. And all the middle class welfare that people feel entitled to these days. Politicians will vote themselves pay rises and extra perks. Come election time, money will be splashed around, parties will attempt to outdo each other with costly election promises to entice voters. My bet is that things will turn out less rosy in several years time; there will be back peddling, "unexpected" costs will appear, the reserves will "surprisingly" be not as productive as originally promised, and politicians will find plenty of people to blame except for themselves of course. About the only certainty is that a few people will get very very wealthy while the majority of Scots will ultimately be no better off.
even disregarding the future earnings, if i was scottish i would be voting yes just to signal my distrust at the tory governments for allowing this to happen. i wonder when countries with such natural resources will install governments such as norway to that the people of those nations to actually see some benefit, lolstralia anyone?
If you've ever been to a Scotland vs England football game, or been in a pub with a bunch of drunken Scots doing a verse or two of Scotland the Brave, then you'd be putting money on the Yes vote. It might make every bit of economic sense in the world to stay part of the Union but someone down the pub mentions Culloden and that's the end of discussion of the welfare bill imbalance or the finite oil reserves. There's a Scottish joke I like which was printed in The Scotsman newspaper just a few years ago. It might explain a little. THAT is another one of the reasons I think we'll see a Yes vote. If you're interested in the basis of the Culloden myth and its impact this movie is a shocking account. To see a summary go to the hour mark [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0efUZQANaE[/youtube]
If Scotland breaks away, others will want to do the same thing... If the Scots will be allowed to "get away with it", the Catalans and Basques will follow... And just like it happens: on the basis of "if they're allowed, we're allowed", a domino-like effect could swipe across Europe...
