Independence

Even though the vote for independence is more than a year away, I think it will sneak up on people. I feel it would be wrong for me to vote. At least, that is how i feel at the moment. I care deeply about the future of Scotland. I want to see the country continue to prosper and strive for a good quality of life for all who call it home. As I wish for every country.

While I did not make it to the event listed on this poster, I have been seeking out information on independence.

Most often I find Scots who are either adamantly no or undecided. I recently saw an interesting poll that over the last 2 years, the number of people who would vote yes has been steadily increasing (still less than 50%). My sense is that in part, this is due to increasingly unpopular decisions made by the UK Parliament in Westminster. Faced with the same issues, would a Scottish Parliament find different solutions? Maybe. The Scottish Parliament has already acted differently on some key policy issues. The Scottish Parliament has responsibility of devolved matters, such as education, health, agriculture, environment, social work, and justice. It even has limited tax-varying power. But there is still much ruled by the UK Parliament and their decisions are not too popular at the moment. But frankly, what government is making popular decisions at the moment? Budget cuts mean tough decisions.

Independence...defining what this means and contemplating the ramifications...what a complex issue. It is not often a country is voting on independence. I am familiar with U.S. state politics. I am a wee bit in awe and at the same time, horrified at how they work their way through the incredibly complicated issues brought to the legislature. In considering independence, the issues faced by states seem simple by comparison.

What currency would be used? Will Scotland be (or want to be) part of the European Union? Will Scotland need to build up its own military? Who owns the oil resources? How will the thousands of treaties with other countries be sorted out? Most importantly, what will happen to the likes of me? Just kidding. The list is long. One of the best outcomes of this referendum would be healthy discussions on what would be best for Scotland in all matters of state and what relationship with England would suit both countries.

Only with independence will Scotland feel the full consequences of their decisions. I'll be honest. I love the idea of independence. It is a purely emotional reaction. I know so little on the topic. All these years, Scotland has maintained a unique cultural identity within the UK, as has each country. But to not be able to govern completely to the values of the popular majority. Maybe my feelings come from the frustration of watching a government gridlocked, a country so diverse in its values, and seemingly equal number of people standing on opposite sides of each issue. The idea of breaking governing into a smaller geographical area that may have a more common set of values appeals to me.

Scotland certainly has assets. It is rich in natural resources and has made a strong investment in renewable energy to provide a sustainable economy. It has proven that it can adapt to changing times as industries boom and lag. When I was looking for employment, I was struck by the number of young, successful businesses. Small business leaders with creative ideas and initiative. Yet it has these assets regardless of their independence.

What is my next step? I want to know more about the leadership that would be in charge of a transition to independence. Will they have the ability to keep the country united? To gather the knowledgeable resources and diverse representation to make educated decisions through the transition? To adapt as they learn?

If I have peeked your interest, google. There is a lot of opinion out there. There are campaign groups on both sides. like Better Together and Yes Scotland. I am already on the edge of my chair wondering what will happen in September 2014.