Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbuna
Whilst I'm hoping the Union will remain intact, the financial possibilities are obviously potentially far reaching whichever road you walk down.
My question in military terms is...what plans for a Scottish navy and air force? (I presume the small number of Scottish regiments will be sufficient for homeland security).
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Personally, I think a sensible option for an independent Scotland is to emulate Eire:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defence..._%28Ireland%29
As for NATO membership? Forget it, no point as they're wouldn't be enough to be worth contributing.
In addition, the US won't want another small nation in NATO freeloading, especially one that's just given them a black eye on a major policy point. They want the UK as a nuclear power in NATO along side them (France co-operates, but doesn't co-ordinate), any threat to that will potentially leave the US alone. The US public will not tolerate that.
IMHO, as regards the currency, Salmond is taking a dangerous gamble.
Regardless of what might be economically prudent, or sensible, the population of the rest of the UK will not allow it. I can't see the likes of Jim, Steed, Bossmark or Oberon (sorry guys, your just handy!
) being comfortable with another country using the pound in the way proposed. Multiply that to the rest of the population and you have a Very Bad Thing for Scotland. Push comes to shove, rUK will throw Scotland under the bus out of self interest and preservation.
No, if Scotland votes yes, be prepared to set up a new, independent currency. With it's own independent central bank.
That's independence, not some half baked currency union that leaves Scotland vulnerable - see the Euro crisis.
The latest poll by Survation shows 53% towards No:
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/...l-no-vote-lead
What I've written is all very negative, I'm aware of that. But something this huge needs to be voted on using your head, not your heart. Or hope and dreams.
The UK has been a great thing in the past. In can be again if we ALL work together, rather than protecting our own little bit of turf.
The referendum vote has politically radicalised the people of Scotland, very good thing. The English just need to get off their backsides and actually start participating in the democratic process again instead of just letting the Oxbridge crowd take over again.
Demand that the candidates you nominate actually represent the communities they wish serve. Demand more power for local authorities so they can serve their communities again.
Put the fear of god into Westminster - it can be done!
Mike.
