Today is the most important day in the history of Scotland. Today is the day that myself and others who live in Scotland vote whether we stay within the United Kingdom or choose to be independent.
When the referendum was approaching, I had plans to write a long detailed article about why I was voting yes to an independent Scotland. However, all my energy in this discussion has been focused on Facebook. I had been getting very bored of Facebook, but the network has become the forefront of discussion for the future of my country with friends, family, friends of friends, and even those who cannot vote. Countless hours have been spent debating yes and no; and the reasons for choosing yes and no.
We have discussed a wide many of things during the debate such as the bias and fear mongering coming from the media and government, the currency union, nationality, the royal family, economics, the NHS, wealth distribution, and more. With 97% of the adult population registered for this vote and an expected turnout of over 80%, it is safe to say that this debate has galvanised its people.
We have endured love bombing from politicians and celebrities that have never stepped foot in Scotland to not break up the empire. We have even had to listen to the government’s patronising commercial that woman are too stupid to understand the referendum and should just vote no.
The BBC has also been shown up for the biased organisation that it has always been. Their bias has been clear from the start, but the catalyst for the tens of thousands of people who protested outside the BBC studios in Glasgow arose from Nick Robinson’s biased editing of a question he put forward to the first minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond.
Nick Robinson is, of course, the political editor for the BBC. He is also a known Tory who supports the no campaign. He posted questions to Alex Salmond during a debate; and according to Nick Robinson and the BBC, Alex Salmond refused to answer.
The reality is that Salmond did answer Nick Robinson. His response took several minutes and was so good that everyone at the debate started laughing at the stupidity at the questions Nick Robinson had made.
Thousands complained about the bias from the BBC as it is supported to be an impartial news organisation. As you would expect, they rejected the complaint.
Thankfully, Groundskeeper Willie was available to voice his opinion on the issue.
There has been many other funny and light hearted moments during the debate too. My favourite has to be Matt Lygate chasing Labout MPs through Glasgow playing the imperial march tune from Star Wars.
The Real Issues
Patronising ladies and media bias have been big talking points; however the real issue has been about the future of Scotland.
Despite what many people think, this vote is not about Scotland going independent because it has oil (though it does!). It is about the people of Scotland deciding what happens to their country. It is about removing the nuclear weapons that are situated 30 minutes from our most populated city. It is about not going over the countries and killing people with brown skin because we want their natural resources. It is about ending the need for food banks and stopping policies that make the rich richer and the poor poorer.
The yes campaign is not a nationalist movement or anti-English; despite what the media has been reporting. Nor are Scottish people whiners or moaners for wanting to remove Westminster and elitism and make things better.
This referendum is about a country deciding their future. That, at its core, is what democracy is all about.
I hope that at this time tomorrow, Scotland will have voted yes and I will be looking forward to my country becoming independent.
I will not lie and say that I will not be disappointed if we vote no, because I will. Anything to the contrary would be a lie.
Regardless of the result, there are many positives to be taken from the referendum. Over the last 10 or 15 years, Scotland had become widely uninterested in politics as our vote rarely mattered; though now we have a population that wants to have a say in how things are managed.
There has been positivity and negativity on both sides, but whatever happens, we should all remain focused on making Scotland a better place to live. It does not matter what country you were born in, what religion you practice, what colour your skin, or what language you speak. If you live and work in Scotland, you have a right (nay, a duty) to take interest in the future of this beautiful country and decide what is best.
This is an opportunity to create a fairer society which attacks important issues such as wealth distribution. A socialist society in which its citizens can get free health care and free education (something which I received and I want the next generation to receive as well). A society which stops multinational billion dollar companies getting away with paying 0.5% tax on profits and stops demonising those who fall on hard times.
I’ll end this small article with a quote from Nelson Mandela:
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears”
Saorsa airson Alba.
Kevin
I believe Catalonia would vote overwhelmingly for independence. Whether Spain respects the vote is another story.
Politics has changed in Scotland. The turnout of 85% is unbelievable. In the USA, turnout is usually 50 to 60%. And in the UK, it is usually between 55 and 70%. It’s our highest turnout ever – even in the years following the war.
I hope that it will change things down south. There are new parties such as Yorkshire First coming out that are pushing for more powers to local areas. We need more parties to do that in order to stop filtering wealth southwards.
I was so disappointed with the result too, but am glad I couldn’t vote for Scotland as a poll of English people suggest the result of English people voting then would have been far heavier in favour of English rule (76% no out 50% that wanted the option).
I’ve heard there are now plans to get an independence referendum to get Catalonia out of Spain, I just hope Scotland doesn’t end up like Quebec which I think now has had three failed attempts leave Canada.
Here’s a couple of blog posts on the outcome of the IndyRef that I find inspiring and recommend reading:
http://wingsoverscotland.com/the-country-that-wasnt/
http://anotherangryvoice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/scottish-independence-what-now.html
Unfortunately, it was not to be. Though I am not saddened (I was on Friday!!). I believe this is just the start of the journey towards independence. There is a large anti-establishment sentiment growing. Without doubt, Scottish politics will never be the same.
The North of England is beautiful (as is the South of Scotland). Lots of green hills and cool landscapes.
You would love the highlands. Driving up through Glencoe on the way to Fort William is amazing.
I don’t blame you and would vote the same way to get away from the grasp of Westminster and to be able to control your own destiny (as much as is possible in terms of politics).
Good luck!
To be honest, I’ve never been as far north as Scotland, the closest I’ve got is Northumberland. Still I’m interested in finding out more, Inverness interests me. I have lived in various places across England and would like to live that far north one day for a while. I just need to get my online marketing sorted first.
I wonder if you could get dual nationality, Scottish and English. I believe you will be able to if born in England but live in Scotland now (if the Yes vote wins).
Exactly. The government abuse their powers day in, day out. Every elected government has not fulfilled their pre-election pledges. They should be accountable for that. They cannot be allowed to say anything to get votes and then not honour it when they get in power.
Regardless of a yes or not vote, I believe the public has awakened to the idea that change can happen and change is good.
Thanks for the comment Ian. It always pleased me when I see people from others recognise that this issue is about Westminster and taking responsibility for our own country. Nothing to do with oil or nationalism.
I would certainly welcome any English, Irish, or Welsh that wanted to make Scotland their home. Or Polish, or Japanese, or whatever.
Our country would benefit from others coming here, working hard, and contributing to the growth of the country.
I read tonight that politicians from Manchester etc are pushing for more powers. I think that’s fantastic. A strong North of England benefits Scotland and England.
Have you spent much time in Scotland?
Kevin
This is what I believe the more smaller and decentralized the governments the MORE FREEDOM we have, the more centralized and powerful the less we have it and the more they impose on us and take from us. If I was a Scott I would want to get away from large UK and live in smaller Scotland.
In any case I wish luck to the YES side, I guess we will see what happens tomorrow :)
Glad to hear it, Kevin. I think the voter turnout and the result is most likely because we have the internet revealing the contempt that politicians have for voters and how they try to manipulate opinion and twist the facts. I have been closely following Another Angry Voice and The Wee Blue Book and have seen the facts as you have seen them.
Personally I am one of the apparently 19% of English people who want Scotland to be independent, it might be the kick that English people need to do something about Westminster, but I think it will still take more pain before any real change happens.
If the result is yes, can I move to Scotland?! Having said that, what if a couple of million other English people also want to then move to Scotland? If the result is no, then I will probably move to Scotland within five years, and I have red hair so I’ll fit right in!
In my latest Google+ post, it shows traffic congestion this afternoon all along the Scottish border, I think it’s may be Scotting people in England rushing to get a vote in.
Thanks Jay. Appreciate the well wishes. Fingers crossed.
I totally understand the sentiment of Scottish people. Good luck and awaiting the victory of Scotland and UK’s imperialism.