Now that we have internet (YAY!) it's become apparent that the Scottish Referendum taking place at this very moment has become more of an international news story than I previously thought. It's one thing for NPR to be writing about it- that's part of the reason I like reading NPR.
However-
1. The Daily Show had one or more segments on the vote
2. Stephen Colbert dressed in full kilt garb for a segment
3. Simpson's character Groundskeeper Willie has a short video on why Scotland should become independent
We knew that the referendum was coming. It was everywhere on our trip here this summer. There are a lot of compelling reasons from both sides.
A few that I think I've discerned from the BBC
Yes Campaign
- Scotland is more liberal than current British politics, so there's tension between Holyrood (Scottish parliament) and Westminster and Scottish independence would mean more control of Scotland by Scottish elected individuals
- Beliefe that with oil and gas resources and existing industry, and independent Scotland can create more jobs
- People don't like nuclear weapons being built in Scotland
- More equality (in a variety of areas)
No Campaign
- Scotland already has a significant degree of self-control
- North Sea oil reserves aren't as significant as the Yes campaign is claiming (also a question of how many reserves are Scottish and not in international waters)
- Questions about the how much potential there is for sustained growth of Scottish economy
- What currency will they use (Westminster is saying Scotland couldn't use the pound)
Interesting Facts
- This will be the first election that 16 and 17 year olds can vote in
- EU and Commonwelath citizens living in Scotland can vote
- Legislative devolution started in 1997
- Scotland and Britain have been united for 300 years
- The last time the British Empire lost part of it was Hong Kong in 1997 (we were discussing this yesterday)
There are 4.3 million registered to vote (97% of eligible voters) and an estimated 80% will turn out to vote between 7 am and 10 pm today. The polling for the last two weeks shows an almost even split (given that margin of errors are normal 2-5%). Due to BBC broadcasting rules, there's actually little coverage today.
We have no idea what a "yes" vote would mean for us, although I'm venturing a guess that if Scotland wants to keep a strong Oil and Gas industry they aren't going to start deporting Americans anytime soon. Depending on the time table for a separation there could be very little effect while we're here.
The thing I'm actually concerned about is the vote only needs to be 51% to split. In our Leadership course of Truett, Dr. Creech gave an example about a program at a church he had been at, although I don't remember what the program was now. Going forward with the program was fairly contested, but when it came down to a church vote, those for the program had a slim majority. Some, he said, could see this as an endorsement and go ahead with the program. The leaders decided that a big program like they wanted needed way more support. It seemed in the best interest of the church body to wait, to think, and to come back. The votes were there, but was it worth splitting the church down the middle?
That's what I keep coming back to, all over this past week. I don't know which side I'd vote for and even if I could vote by virtue of living here I would choose not to. This isn't my fight. We're aren't going to be here forever and the long term consequences of those living in Scotland should be chosen by those who will be here long term. But I do think allowing it to pass with only a 51% majority seems like a bad idea. I'm not naive enough to think that a supermajority would likely happen, but I do think setting the margin of support for independence as a greater percentage of the population would speak louder of a desire to split.
Not that I can say a lot about independence since the American Revolution was only outright supported by 1/3 of the population. Go America!
My hope is that regardless of the outcome we move forward peacefully. I've chosen to stay at home and work today since 1) I don't have an office yet (coming soon!), and 2) I don't really want to get accosted by people asking if I've voted yet.
This is a good synopsis of everything! I'm in total agreement about the 51% thing. I also hope that whatever happens nothing violent follows. I'm less worried about the Scots but say they Do get the yes vote, I just can't see Northern Ireland speaking up next. .. and after all the progress toward peace they've made. Idk, just one of the many thoughts I've had regarding the whole thing.
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