The problem with an independent Scotland is not that the economics are dodgy (although they are), but it is that that is in the grip of an authoritarian leftist political class, a grasping, thuggish vulture class that should be wished on no people. There is also the little matter of the EU. If an independent Scotland wished to join the EU (the membership it “enjoys” through membership of the UK would probably not survive) its (enthusiastically europhile) leaders would have to commit to joining the single currency as soon as Scotland satisfied the necessary tests. They deny that, but the EU’s rules are clear. The euro would ruin what’s left of the Scottish economy and make a mockery of “independence.”The polls are actually looking as though the vote might go for independence.
"Freedom!"
I had nearly forgotten that the Scots are about to vote on independence. I know nothing about the problems they face today, of course; my head is entirely full of claptrap from Braveheart and songs of the Jacobite rebellion and movie versions of Mary, Queen of Scots (the Glenda Jackson/Vanessa Redgrave production is terrific, by the way). I had a vague notion that romantic old ideals of freedom and independence were bursting forth, so it was disappointing to read this analysis from Andrew Stuttaford at HotAir:
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5 comments:
I've a good bit of Scot blood, but far from all; but were I a Scot in nationality, I'd vote yes. You can always make better decisions when you're thinking among your neighbors, and not appealing to a distant government run by those who don't much care for you.
Same if they offered a referendum on independence here.
To me, it all comes down to a little thing about providing for the common defense. That, and being able to pick up and move to another state when the local economy goes to hell.
Valerie
The euro would ruin what’s left of the Scottish economy and make a mockery of “independence.”
The first is certainly true, and it's a large part (though not all) of the push behind the UK's "leave the EU" movement.
The second is of course true--the EU has always been intended as a first step toward political union--which is anathema to national sovereignty in favor of Europe sovereignty. And the Europeans disdain federalism beyond "be good little states and do as your betters tell you" lip service.
Eric Hines
Scotland's got oil: leave the EU and the UK.
Scotland's got warriors, too. National defense will work itself out, as it has ever since there's been a Scotland.
Moving is harder, to be sure. But if the price of being able to move is that 'we are all in it together' in terms of bad political decisionmaking, what's the point of moving? Where is left to go?
Eric has the sense of it. And the EU isn't going to be interested in an independent Scotland, because then the idea of devolution in Spain and Belgium would come roaring back, not to mention grumblings in Italy, and even France.
They may vote for it, but I don't think it will come to pass.
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