Scotland Votes No on Independence

[Gunther]

Surprised there hasn't been a thread on this. I'd be curious to hear folks' take on it. I have no idea how to start a poll from my phone, been searching to no avail but would welcome one if any of the mods are interested. Myself, I'm a little disappointed by the result. I guess being a conservative American, independence and self-reliance are hallmarks of my value system. Can't imagine giving up the opportunity to be in control of my destiny for dependence on a larger governmental body. Just doesn't compute with me. Scotland is and will remain one of my favorite places in the world and I don't believe this will affect me in any way, just made me a little sad.

[Hardballs]

Long term, economically, it probably wasn't a good idea to seperate, the Scottish are a very proud nation, and although I can see the appeal for the scots wishing to stand alone! I would suggest the right decision was made. As an Englishman, it wouldn't have affected me personally, I have friends in Scotland and they would happily smuggle haggis and scotch across the border for me!

[Braivo]

It seems to me that it comes down to fear of the unkown.  Fear is such a powerful force.  It is a much easier sell to say what may go wrong if YES, than to sell the benefits of YES.

[Gunther]

It seems to me that it comes down to fear of the unkown.  Fear is such a powerful force.  It is a much easier sell to say what may go wrong if YES, than to sell the benefits of YES.

Very good point.

[Braivo]

@Gunther - are you going to start a push for TX independence?

[Gunther]

@Gunther - are you going to start a push for TX independence?;-)

Lol, if Hillary wins in '16, all bets are off.

[iacas]

@Gunther - are you going to start a push for TX independence?

I was going to ask the same thing. And why stop there? Maybe he can be independent as a town, too. And heck, maybe his household should secede and form their own country?

:P

[isukgolf]

@Gunther - are you going to start a push for TX independence?;-)

God Bless Texas ... I would be back in a heart beat ...

[RJH999]

I was going to ask the same thing. And why stop there? Maybe he can be independent as a town, too. And heck, maybe his household should secede and form their own country? :P

Like Petoria! :-D

[Gunther]

Hey, wait, am I being bullied? I'm tellin Obama!

[Mr. Desmond]

Lol, if Hillary wins in '16, all bets are off.

Ranger Rick will meet the Feds all by himself at the Red River on his horse and the bridle between his teeth... shotgun in hand...

and it would be a great photo op...

Rick's speciality.

All flash, no substance... that's our Rick!

Now let's pray over it...

@Gunther

As to the Scots, it's a good deal for them... they stay, get benefits, and are promised more autonomy. In fact, the English Welsh, may all benefit from the vote with more autonomy.

[mvmac]

Myself, I'm a little disappointed by the result.

I'm happy they voted No, it restores some certainty in the UK's economic recovery.

The financial markets in London would have gone into freefall, the UK is the world’s sixth largest economy, obviously that would have effected Wall Street.

[Gunther]

I'm happy they voted No, it restores some certainty in the UK's economic recovery.  The financial markets in London would have gone into freefall, the UK is the world’s sixth largest economy, obviously that would have effected Wall Street.

I think "freefall" might be a bit of an overstatement. There would have been a drop but it would have been recoverable; it always is. This could have hurt me too, short-term but I'd have paid the price happily. Not gonna change it, the independence side seems to have accepted it, which I respect. Just didn't go the way I'd have desired. Much like most stuff in my life. ;)

[Mr. Desmond]

Seems like a win-win if the result is greater autonomy while still maintaining the union and sharing costs of common interests ... as in defense.

So you don't get to shout "Freedom!" as in William Wallace. But is that really the issue and similar circumstances? Don't the Scots have freedom?

[Gunther]

Seems like a win-win if the result is greater autonomy while still maintaining the union and sharing costs of common interests ... as in defense. So you don't get to shout "Freedom!" as in William Wallace. But is that really the issue and similar circumstances? Don't the Scots have freedom?

When a higher governmental power tells you that your autonomy will be increased, well, call me a skeptic but you know... Yes, they are free, as are we. However, they are subject to the whims of whomever is in power over them creating mandates, rules, laws, regs for which they/we are compelled to comply. I live free in my compound with my many wiv, er, friends and that's how I like it.

[k-troop]

Seems like a win-win if the result is greater autonomy while still maintaining the union and sharing costs of common interests ... as in defense. So you don't get to shout "Freedom!" as in William Wallace. But is that really the issue and similar circumstances? Don't the Scots have freedom?

I don't recall David Cameron kissing every Scot's arse on his way back to London. Wasn't that one of the conditions? Agreed that in international relations, the status quo is always preferable so long as human rights are in tact. The UK has been a Great Power for over 500 years, so it shouldn't be broken up lightly. And btw Scots make up some of the best UK Soldiers, and we're a little light on true allies at the moment.

[Hardballs]

When a higher governmental power tells you that your autonomy will be increased, well, call me a skeptic but you know... Yes, they are free, as are we. However, they are subject to the whims of whomever is in power over them creating mandates, rules, laws, regs for which they/we are compelled to comply. I live free in my compound with my many wiv, er, friends and that's how I like it.

All civilians are subject to the whims of whoever is in power, coming from the uk, it is apparent that all our politicians cannot be trusted and no one is better than the other, and if Scotland had separated, then they would be subject to the whims of a less experienced government In charge of an eventual poorer economy! I have to admit, I don't fully understand their desire to split from the uk! I think it stems from a cultural bitterness from past incidents, talk about holding a grudge! they're still Scottish, they still have their own country! People like a revolution, but in this case it's hardly necessary!

[Gunther]

All civilians are subject to the whims of whoever is in power, coming from the uk, it is apparent that all our politicians cannot be trusted and no one is better than the other, and if Scotland had separated, then they would be subject to the whims of a less experienced government In charge of an eventual poorer economy! I have to admit, I don't fully understand their desire to split from the uk! I think it stems from a cultural bitterness from past incidents, talk about holding a grudge! they're still Scottish, they still have their own country! People like a revolution, but in this case it's hardly necessary!

It's not about a revolution, it's about having an opportunity to strike out on your own and control your own destiny or staying within the sheltered cocoon of a caretaker. I would always choose the former.