Having not thought much about Scotland’s place in the UK beforehand, I gave it a lot of thought as we approached the 2014 referendum. At the time I was persuadable either way but quickly realised that I would vote No for the very simple reason that there was not enough information for me to base a Yes vote on.
That has led to me spending the last 7 years being called a ‘unionist’ and, because I voice my opinions on social media and elsewhere, being castigated by a certain type of Scottish nationalist as anti-Scottish and even a traitor.
I never was a unionist any more than I was a nationalist. I am a Scot, born, raised and living here still.
Like the other 5 1/2 million people who call Scotland home I am a ‘true Scot’ – no better or worse than any other.
Perspective
https://dictionary.cambridge.org
a particular way of considering something:
put into perspective
to compare something to other things so that it can be accurately and fairly judged:
I’ve started this website and this blog with the simple, possibly naïve, aim of debating what is best for Scotland.
The tag-line for the site, Seeking truth in Scottish politics highlights what I believe to be the best way to find out what is best for us. The best decisions are based on the best information, not on the half truths and misdirection of politicians more interested in their own careers than the fate of their constituents.
But independence is about the heart, not the head!
For many it is, just as the desire to stay within the UK is for others.
There may be nothing that could be said to persuade these people otherwise but it is still important that they understand the consequences of their position, on themselves and others.
Pro or anti-independence, or don’t know?
This site aims to cover all aspects and to be even handed but not necessarily impartial. Not all arguments or sources have even weight. Real concerns about Scotland’s fiscal position post-independence are more important than a rant about Tory colonialism.
This blog will be my perspective but I hope to have contributions from others who might shine a different light on things.
Let’s not forget that there’s a lot more going on in Scotland than the interminable squabbling about the constitution. Our current leadership in Holyrood seems intent on picking fights with, and disparaging, our UK government no matter the issue. Deaths from drug addiction are, once again at record levels and child poverty is shamefully high.
There may be a time when Scotland decides to leave the UK. I believe that if this is to happen, for the sake of all of us there MUST be:
- Sound, clear reasoning why we should leave.
- Well understood information on the known and probable consequences – what would we gain, what would we lose, what are the risks.
- Where are we heading? What type of a society do we aim to be? What path do we plan to follow?
- How will we get there? Grand plans are pointless if they are based on fantasy.
We MUST NOT
- Make the case by making England or the rest of the UK an enemy.
- Seize a passing opportunity to spin the people into a decision we might regret, or before we are ready to decide.
- Base any part of the case on incomplete or known false information. If we can’t make plans for the future, how do we get the future we want?
If Scotland is to leave the UK, we must be moving towards something real – not running away from something imagined.
Please subscribe to be notified about new posts.