Scotland's independence; any thoughts, chaps ?

[TSR2]

I haven't lived in Scotland for a few years now. I'm surprised at how few of our Scottish members have commented. My worry is that this issue will now further divide Scotland East and West (largely). I really think very little good has come from this whole process.

[Tomliner]

I expect that the campaigns will be pored over and analysed to the Nth degree but my opinion for what it's worth I believe the main players who produced this result were Gordon Brown on behalf of the NO side,a man who I thought had become a spent force until now.
On the other hand I believe that when Jim Sillars opened his mouth vowing retribution and a day of reckoning against companies such as Standard Life and BP in the event of a yes vote,and then Tommy Sheridan opened his mouth,Salmond knew that he had a problem.EricT

[hobby]

Great relief abounds in this household. I am so pleased at the number of people who voted - there has never in the history of these isles been that number of people willing to state their personal wishes in a political ballot.

Now we must hope that all those Westminster heed the will of all who live in the UK. Their somewhat cosy world has been greatly disturbed by yesterday's events. Now it really is "Per ardua ad astra"

[gordon-in-aberdeen]

I haven't lived in Scotland for a few years now. I'm surprised at how few of our Scottish members have commented. My worry is that this issue will now further divide Scotland East and West (largely). I really think very little good has come from this whole process.

To be honest Ben some of us have tried our best to keep out of it all on public forums because of the strong feelings it raises on both sides. For those not in Scotland you may not be aware of the schism that had grown between friends, family and neighbours over it all. Theres been some very nasty trolling and abuse on the web regards it, so it was best to leave it between your head and the ballot paper only.

One thing I can say from my heart is no matter what has transpired, the rest of the world could do with taking note of how we - the Scots - conduct our referendums. Its been an experience and a journey that a lot of others could learn from I think.



Now, back to the real world

[TSR2]

Very fair point Gordon. Lets hope things can just move forward, for everyone's benefit

[Dev One]

Having lost the vote, in England Salmond would have been forced to abdicate - I bet he doesn't even offer!
Keith

[airboatr]

Stay strong Great Britain. Find the commonalities amongst your peoples that bring unity. Forgive the past offences and embrace the acts of mercy and kindness given in hope of alleviating the pain and sorrow inflicted by past rulers.
You and all of the United Kingdom will be a more formidable force to wage against the dark powers that wish to destroy civility all across the world. abroad and in the homeland.

... Of course , Being a citizen of America I have a lot of room to talk, as some may say, but my hope is that I could correct the offences caused by our leaders who promised to be upright and moral. But were found out to be liars. Who used the office held as a means to enrich themselves at a great cost to the common man.

All this divisiveness causes great sorrow in my heart.

What is it in man that he should be so merciless.

[PeteP]

On the subject of Americans, we have two who volunteer at Tangmere. I was having lunch with one of them yesterday and I mentioned that I'd seen an interview in which a man had claimed he was voting for independence simply because he didn't like the idea of being governed by a government in London that he hadn't voted for. I said I thought this wasn't the best of reasons for wanting to break away from the union but my American friend just smiled and said, "Well it worked for us!"
Pete

[airboatr]

My friends dog, likes to eat his own shite too.

I'll leave that open to interpretation.

[DaveB]

A quick and witty response but one which bares no resemblance to the situation here now

ATB
DaveB