What is the end point of a system that continues to spend beyond its means ? The economy is locked into the deficit paradigm yet that which is unsustainable must surely end. Who benefits ? Under austerity the super rich have doubled their wealth, the poor have got poorer and the middle are being slowly squeezed out of existence. We could start by returning welfare to a safety net and not a lifestyle choice. But then what do the great unwashed do at a time when traditional industries no longer require manpower ? Wee Eck and his pals are just like DC and his pals, out for power and self aggrandisement.
up shot from local gravy train would still benefit Scotland. and besides its only a two hour bike ride to smack em in da face.
A couple of good questions which I am sure many people are asking. How do you reduce the inequality of wealth to some degree in society? The only answer that springs to mind is taxation, but there are plenty who won't stomach that. If their are no suitable jobs for the "great unwashed", then welfare is not a lifestyle choice, is it? I suspect that most of the unemployed would prefer to have a job than sit around at home all day feeling poor. Consider this: you find someone who has deliberately exploited the welfare system to sit about on their arse, having kids and doing nothing: you have a newspaper story. You find someone else who has been unemployed for 5 years and is looking for a job but can't find one: you don't have a newspaper story. So newspapers and the media aren't a reliable guide to really what goes on with the welfare state.
you could say that any where. A. for as long as the sky don't fall in Q. what can Westminster do that Edinburgh cant when/if it all goes wrong globally. if a problem presents it's self we deal with it.
The point I was making is that Scotland's economy is more dependent upon the public sector than the rest of the UK. Ultimately the public sector consumes what the private sector produces, which isn't to say that what it does produce is without value. The Barnet Formula has benefitted Scotland disproportionately.
I have some sympathy with the Scottish notion that the UK economy is run for the benefit of the South East and those in 'Financial Services' are reaping a disproportionate reward at the expense of the rest of the country, but that is part of the growth paradigm that our monetary system demands. I have said it before but I think the UK is greater than the sum of it's parts, and would be sorry to see them go, but don't think that it would be business as usual, because it wouldn't.
financially possibly, depends on your point of view. i have been trying very hard not to put it in to financial terms, but i have stated before i would be happy to pay a bit more if it would at least maintain our living standards. i guess that's the liberal in me. to put it bluntly i am not happy with the direction the uk is going. this hardon Westminster has to be a global power. if Scotland is such a burden on the uk why the fight to maintain the status quo. i like many have lost faith in the uk parliament which is probably the biggest reason for my stance on Independence. i am of a liberal/labour mindset. i am after a more balanced society, not a few extra bob in my pocket. i beleave Scotland is a good brand and will do ok in a global economy.
All the opinion polls so far show a fair sized majority for NO to Scottish independence. Looks as if the SNP has a huge hill to climb between now and 18 September, if they hope to get a YES vote. Since Scottish independence has been the main raison d'etre of the SNP for decades, is it not astonishing how little thought they seem to have given to what it would actually mean in practice if it came about?
to be fair i haven't heard or seen a poll since the euro elections, but the last time i check'd it was close, v close. with a fair few undecided. i am not to sure what you mean by what it actually means in practice. we have politicians at Westminster some at the highest level for three hundred years, we have had our own parliament of sorts for some time now, universities, academics, businesses, resources. people, ambitions. the only thing we appear to be missing is some balls and self belief
What would Scotland use for a currency? How could it join the EU & NATO, and on what terms? What financial system and regulators would it use? Etc etc. The SNP seems to have assumed that the rest of the UK, and other international institutions, would simply fall in with SNP wishes on SNP terms. And if not, they don't seem to have a Plan B.
Pete,you forgot his favorite saying "because we can" and if the Scots vote yes and he doesn't deliver,it'll be too late but will no doubt blame the "Westminster government" That's plan B.
possibly the same way the uk did. negotiation and compromise. to be very honest, with me its more blind faith. with my mates through in edinbro its more conviction and knowledge they own,work and mix in certain circles that have a lot more to lose than me and appear to be very much in favor. give me reason why Scotland should stay in the uk other than the usual domestic issues. ie to much hassle. is there a way to change the minds of the 48% in favor plus the undecided.? and given the choice what would you do. it seams we are mostly in agreement when it comes to our dissatisfaction with the currant system, like you pete i beleave it's the best parliament you can have "for the uk" but when i last checked it was 48% in favor with a lot more undecided don't want to be ruled by Westminster considerably more than voted in your council elections
The Yes campaign have reduced the gap with the Nos, have momentum and unlike the Nos are running an exciting campaign. The outcome is a lot less certain than it was 6 months ago.
at the risk of lobbing a grenade, I think there's just as much reason for London and the South East to become independent as Scotland. Any real reason why we shouldn't declare independence? Can't think of one myself.
if you have the support then you should. if the shoe was on the other foot would it be, don't go because we need you or because i bet you cant, na na nana na. which is the no campaign's only tactic.
Indeed. The SE could become independent of the UK; Greater London could become independent of the SE; and a scrap of the City of London the size of Monaco could become independent of Greater London - it would be the richest country per head in the world. These hypothetical scenarios serve to illustrate the absurdity of all this class of "break-up" proposals.
no brake up, more cooperation that's where you are missing the point. a large group want to do it there way without interfering in anthers way of life,it doesn't mean we want to steel yer cattle. i don't beleave things will improve under the currant system. unless they leagalise cannabis. :smile:
Go federalist. In this scenario, bits of the UK, including Scotland become independent states, belonging to a greater UK confederation. They share a currency and a foreign policy and defence and a load of other things, but can vote for their own budgets, education systems, health systems, policing etc etc. They have their own parliaments and budgets. You might have Scotland, Yorks, Lancs, London, Wales, NI, Cornwall & Devon etc, East Anglia etc. - potentially 15 areas or so. If Switzerland and the USA can do it...
