My passion for Independence (Scottish Independence)

Member Name: scotlandizdabest

Product:	Scottish Independence
Date:	04/10/08 (271 review reads)
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16 Year Olds Have Strong Opinions As Well! I feel very strongly about this and would love to hear all your opinions back on the subject! Enjoy...

So what does this mean, being 'independent'?

The dictionary meanings:
Not influenced or affected by others
Free from outside control
Capable for thinking or acting for itself

In 1707, the Act of Union between Scotland and England took place, which meant they became a single state. There was one government, one head of state, and one nation for two countries. 300 years later, an SNP government got into power with a one-seat majority. The Scottish National Party (SNP) is one of the frontrunners of Scottish political parties in Scotland. It started to become popular in the 1970's, when the big oil boom meant the economy boomed and SNP MP's became more common. They wanted independence but were not supported by the government.
But eventually in 1978 the Scotland Act took place, which meant Scotland could have devolution but not much power. But Labour and SNP negotiations broke down and when Margaret Thatcher came into power, with the new Conservative Government, the idea was unsupported which ended up in only 2 SNP MP's in government.
In 1997 the Labour Party won and there were new ideas of the Scottish Parliament. The movement was passed and Scotland had for the first time in less than 300 years, a government. The Scottish Parliament we see today is made up of 129 MSP's who have some power, but the Westminster government still has a majority in power. Labour's Donald Dewar became the first First Minister of Scotland, which is equivalent to the Prime Minister.

So all this has happened, and I am making it sound a little bit like a history lesson here but I want you to get a background of this 'story'.
Now, at the moment there is the SNP government in power in Scotland, which is surely not telling something? The SNPs most well known policy is Independence from the rest of Britain. Other parties like the Scottish Conservative Party have now added into their name "Scottish Conservative AND Unionist Party." Just for anyone that does not know a Scottish Unionist is someone in favor for the union and wants Scotland to stay with the UK. Labour and Liberal Democrats have also declared their strong opposition to independence. The Green Party showed their support along with the Scottish Socialist Party for independence and also smaller groups.

Why Should Scotland Be An Independent State?

I have been asked this so many times. My opinion is Scotland is a flourishing, economically balanced country and would be able to support itself if it were separated from Scotland. We are not 'fighting' with the UK, and it is a case of wanting all Scotland's decisions to be made in Scotland, although we are half way there with devolution. We have proved we can run a successful government. Scotland was the first country in the UK to enforce the Smoking ban in 2007 for example. Scotland has its own law system, which is quite different to the English and Welsh systems.
In Scotland, we have services that are unavailable in England, which I find actually quite unfair. We have free dental checks, soon we may have free Prescriptions, free eye checks, free central heating for those who qualify for it and for younger people, lower tuition fees and free school lunches for again those who qualify for it.
Scotland already controls through devolution:
* Local governments and councils
* Education System
* Health
* Housing
* Agriculture/Fisheries/Forestry development

* Social work
* Tourism
* Transport (to some degree)

This is a lot of power, I may point out that in the Scottish Education system, is almost completely different to the rest of the country. I think this is a strong argument for Scottish Independence.
The British government has control over Defence, Social Security, Foreign Affairs, The Constitution and power (electricity, nuclear etc.) These could easily be passed on to the Scottish Government. In my opinion the only thing we don't have is our own state.

Why Shouldn't Scotland be an Independent State?

I have thought about this too, my best friend is a Labour supporter, so I hear it all the time. Scotland gets subsidies off the UK government and may not be able to support itself on its own. Her economy, without the rest of the UK may fail and may not be able to support the over 5 million population. It could take a number of years anyway for Scotland to become a legal independent state; it would have to be recognized by the UN for example.
Britain has a lot of influence from different politicians from each of Scotland and England (And Wales and Ireland) so may not have as much power and influence as it once had in the EU for example. Scotland especially may not have much of a voice compared to England and may even be shunted aside.
If independence did happen it is a one-way street, there would be no going back. And the most annoying reason I have heard is we want a ending to "Braveheart" which is an odd reason but it has been said so many times.

Would England be better off without Scotland In the Union?

I live next 9 miles from the English border. If Scotland did become independent, then I really don't think it would affect England that much. The army, monarchy and the British flag may have to be changed and tweaked. In theory if anything England would be richer, it wouldn't have to subsidize Scotland, so more money to spend on essential services, like hospitals, schools etc. Both countries would be able to support themselves equally. So it would benefit the rest of the UK as well as Scotland.
If Scotland were to become independent then it would mean complete control of its own country. This I may add would mean the Scotland could have its own king or queen. This causes a lot of arguments, especially the who owns what situation. How much land would Scotland get? How much money etc...
Where I live, near Berwick, there is a fight to have Berwick reinstated back to Scottish soil. But the anger is that previously English residents would suddenly get the benefits of living in Scotland.

Conclusion

Sean Connery, is possibly the most famous Celebrity supporter for Independence and even pledged that he would not come back to live in Scotland until it was Independent. Now thats dedication.
In a poll I read on the BBC website, 52% of Scots would call for a Referendum in Independence. That figure is going up, as the SNP government is working hard, to put out the message. I personally think Scotland should be Independent. Alex Salmond, leader of the SNP party and First Minister of Scotland, seems to reckon that Scotland will be independent in THIS DECADE, and I think I can see that happening...

I really hope Scotland become independent by the year 2010. I will be campaigning for it until then.

Janie x

scotlandizdabest 2008
**This review uses sources from:
www.bbc.co.uk
www.wilikpedia.co.uk
www.snp.org.uk
www.labour.org. uk
www.scottishconservatives.com

In case you're interested; this is a video of a march I was at about 2 years ago! It was fun! Look out for me you see me about 2 minutes in!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYLYICbAW8M

Summary: What's Your Opinion?