Scotland YES or NO

As I'm not entitled to a vote on an issue that concerns my citizenship, I suppose I shouldn't keep posting here but it's important to remember that Alex Salmond may well be a mere footnote in history and that once the SNP has fulfilled its purpose - if that happens - it could easily just vanish from the political scene. The Scottish people may return to their political roots which previously have been mainly Labour.

https://fullfact.org/scotland/scotlands_likely_route_eu_member-34629

An interesting article about Scotland's EU membership in case of a yes vote.
Your www.banthebomb.org has been updated, too, when, about Trident.
When we lived in Hampshire one son used to travel around following the missiles and alerting other CND members.

I have decided to put my bet on a NO vote. Would guess about 54%.

Why, whitewave?

Why have I decided to bet on a NO vote or my guess of 54%?

Why the No vote? Just because I'm interested.
The % depends on which newspaper you read.

My bet is on a "No" vote too, but a bigger majority. 60%? 65%? 70%? When it comes to the actual point of putting a cross on paper, many people who have been keeping out of the fray, or sitting on the fence, will go for the safer option.

BBC Parliament channel broadcast the Scottish Parliament last week. I managed to watch quite a bit of it.

It is worth watching if you are genuinely interested and my take on it was there is a lot of unanswered questions, a lot of bravado, a lot of childish rhetoric , happens everywhere I know but there was very little substance as to what the outcome will be in the event of Scotland leaving the UK. For those who are interested in the NHS it will be of interest to see the horses mouth speak so try and watch it.

The point is this is not a simple case of creating a new government legislation. This is the 'big one' that will affect millions of people both in Scotland and for the rest of the countries in the UK.

I couldn't bet on either side winning because the truth, honesty and the feeling anyone 'knows' what will happen cannot be seen or heard, that's been abundantly clear.

It is now as it was from the start head over heart or heart over head, a pure gut feeling and what a situation to be in.

I wish this was all over. In case you are interested in my thoughts Durhamjen I think that as a small island we should stay together. There is much intermarrying and I for one am quite happy with the status quo. I love England and the English and find it sad that some English folk think it is personal to them. It isn't, not for me anyway, and I think that Granny23 has said as much often. She thinks differently from me, but I totally respect her right to her view and will abide by whatever happens, peacefully!!
There is so much scaremongering from both sides, just who does one believe?
I admit my vote will be an emotional vote, but it is valid as anyone else's. Or maybe those who are spending many hours working out this referendum will not agree, but that is what I feel.
There will always be folk dissatisfied with whatever the result.
Elegran I think a small majority would be safer as I foresee trouble ahead if it is large for either side.

I think it will be a No vote but just by a squeak. [fingers x'd emoticon]
Whatever the outcome, we will all just have to accept the decision and hopefully life will return to relative normality and friendships and relationships which have been fractured over the last few months will be mended.
Can't wait for the 19th when it will all be over.

I don't agree, Crow. I think a small majority in either direction would just stir up those who have lost the vote, whichever way they voted.

The "Yes" contingent would renew their efforts to convert the doubters so that in a generation or so they can renew the campaign for another shot at goal. The "No" contingent would feel that the Union is still unwelcome in Scotland, despite the narrow victory.

Either way, businesses who are considering locating in Scotland would find the continued ambiguity a threat to the stability of their investment.

A big majority is needed, to show that whichever way the vote has gone, most of the population will be behind it, and will work to make a success of that decision. Then we can put the controversy into the past, and concentrate on the success and prosperity of the country.

Fair enough Elegran I do understand what you say. I just hope it all does go away.

Hello durham been busy so reason for delay in reply.

No vote - because I think that is the way Scotland will vote. and % totally arbitrary guess, from what I read. Remember it is only a bet.

*Ellegran" is absolutely right. This needs to be a definitive result with a large majority. How will it go? I fear it will be a small no majority and that this will result in a lot of fairly aggressive resentment from the yes campaigners who will accuse no voters of being unpatriotic. I love Scotland, it has been my home for almost 30 years. I am voting no with my head, not my heart. I have not yet heard a single argument that has convinced me that an independent Scotland will be sufficiently wealthier and fairer than a Scotland within the UK to make it worth taking the undoubted risk of voting for a dissolution of the Union. If I had, trust me, I would vote for it!
This is no time for protest votes against the current UK government, it is much much bigger than that.
OH home for lunch!!

I have spent some time reading most of the posts can I just add . I can't understand why people would pay attention to any politician their all liars. It has to be on what your gut tells you when you get in the box.
1 you like things as they are vote for more of the same.
2 you take a leap of faith

End of

Ps if anyone can tell me one politician that has done exactly what they promised I'm all ears .

Have you read this yet, Pollaidh?
independentscotland.org/content/voting-YES-for-scottish-independence.htm

There are reasons for voting no at the bottom of the page.

Pollaidh,

Suggest you read the Wee Blue Book, you can download a copy from the Wings over Scotland website.

Twenty-eight

Sorry thatbags, are you try to tell me something "twenty-eight" is lost on me.

I treat the political campaigns as largely rhetoric mixed with propaganda - on both sides. I am not uninformed in my own right, by virtue of my previous profession. I remain unconvinced that the undoubted risks and huge expense of dissolution will be worth the costs. We are not voting against a Westminster government - we are voting for an independent state. The two things are very very different. "Leaps of faith" don't do it for me - not in this volatile world with no fairy tale endings.

However, a very senior (Scottish) public servant who, on retirement, chaired a major non-departmental public body, once told me how he struggled with a government imposed change that no-one in that organisation wanted. Having fought unsuccessfully to resist it, he had two choices: resign or see it through. He chose the latter even though he could have fully retired most comfortably. He said he owed it to the staff to make the change "the best it could be" even though he believed it to be wrong. He did just that.

Whatever the outcome on Sept 18, I hope everyone in Scotland can be as gracious and courageous as him.

You may not be voting against a Westminster Gov. but when it comes in the guise of Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and now the present trio I would say otherwise.

"Leaps of faith" are not for you, but lets hope enough Scots have faith in their country and their democraticaly elected leaders to vote Yes and take the consequences whatever they may be, at least it will be through their own choice

I have just received this in a email and I thought I would share it. I hope it does not offend anyone on this serious subject.




---Original Message---




Those well versed in geography will be aware that several countries that were once part of Yugoslavia, now describe themselves as : for example Macedonia, FYR - denoting: Former Yugoslav Republic .

So, if Scotland gains its independence after the forthcoming referendum, the remainder of the United Kingdom will be known as the "Former United Kingdom" (FUK).

In a bid to discourage the Scots from voting 'yes' in the referendum, the Government has now begun to campaign with the slogan: "Vote NO, for FUK's sake."

Entirely logical, one feels

Nice to have a touch of humour Newist

I hope you are serious Newist that the WM Gov. is going to use that slogan I can just imagine what a field day the Yessers will have with it!

I believe Saachi & Saachi is one of the advertising companies "Vote No" have employed for their campaign and they have produced a couple of corkers up to now. I love the one with the scroll with pledges on it signed by the trio and the "seal" at the bottom is their logo - "No Thanks" - which is the answer "Yes" voters keep sending them. It has been suggested they keep their Pledges to polish their desks when they leave.