For the first time in nearly three hundred years, Scotland is on the verge of being an independent nation.
Some countries are still fighting bloody battles to free themselves from other nations wishing to determine their future. As for Scotland, its move for independence would be comparatively bloodless.
If you as an American are thinking that the obvious solution is to vote be free of England, you haven’t been paying attention.
Scotland’s push to leave the United Kingdom (or to stay) is hardly simplistic.
The various complexities involved have made some Scottish citizens highly doubtful that a “Yes” vote on September 18th is remotely in their best interest.
After its independence vote, Scotland is in store for one monumental hangover: http://t.co/cOzRqV4MIj pic.twitter.com/RwcWX789bK
— Reuters Opinion (@ReutersOpinion) September 10, 2014
Of all the concerns surrounding the implications of leaving the United Kingdom, two major factors stand out: Money and self-defense.
It’s possible that Scotland will continue to use the British sterling pound. If Scotland decides to join the European Union (it would have to apply separately after leaving England) and is successful, it could adopt the Euro.
It might use its own currency. Of course, the currencies of new and not quite settled nations tend to be very weak.
Currently trending: Why an independent Scotland could become the richest country on Earth http://t.co/wZwzy40DGp pic.twitter.com/163BNv8OLF
— The Independent (@Independent) September 9, 2014
As for defense concerns, Scotland’s North Sea oil and fishing reserves must be protected. Establishing its own military will require extracting Scottish soldiers from England, followed by redeployment. It is a process that could take years.
Scotland could face serious problems when seeking to join both the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO.
It’s possible that current Scottish sentiment regarding the Trident nuclear deterrent could negatively impact their ability to join NATO and the EU.
Thus leaving Scotland all alone and struggling to protect itself.
Cameron won’t resign if Scotland votes for independence http://t.co/QTbxPokz8K #indyref #ScotsDecide pic.twitter.com/BmqyIKBOF1
— RT (@RT_com) September 4, 2014
The problem with “Yes” as far as many skeptics can tell is that there are too many obstacles and not enough sensible solutions.
It’s believed that those who want an independent Scotland have not properly planned ahead of this referendum. The independence of Scotland seems to be something to be played by ear, a terrifying prospect for many Scots.
However, as the vote looms, a little more than a week away, it’s hard not to notice that sentiments have shifted recently.
Where the “No” answer once held a strong majority in polls, it now appears that Scots voting “Yes” and Scots voting “No” are nearly even in recent survey results.
So Scotland, what will it be?
RT – Yes, FAV – No #ScottishIndependence pic.twitter.com/b92vW3zyLc
— bet365 (@bet365) September 10, 2014
Could the world greet a free and independent Scotland on March 24th, 2016?
It’s too close to call at the moment, but it will be interesting to see how things turn out after the vote on the 18th.
