Yes? Or No Thanks?

Most of you know that the country of Scotland has a supremely special place in my heart. My parents lived there for a few years while I was in my early 20s and during my two visits to see them I fell head over heels in love.  When Jonathan got the opportunity to move there for work, we were ecstatic. We spent two of the best years of our life living in north east Scotland and feel pretty sentimental about it being the birthplace of our baby boy. 

So today, as Scotland votes on its independence from the United Kingdom our hearts and prayers are with the Scottish, that they would have wisdom and discernment as they cast their votes. For those of you not aware of the tumultuous history and the implications of this vote, this video does a good job of explaining.  

When I first heard about the referendum, my first thought was ‘What Scotsman worth his kilt would vote NO to such an opportunity?’. I’ve seen Braveheart. I’ve read Outlander. I know how this story goes and I know how many numerous Scots have lost their lives and livelihood for the cause of Scottish freedom. 

But Scottish independence  now means something entirely different than it did 300 years ago.  Their economics are incestuously linked with the rest of the UK and their culture has been watered down with the influence of British citizenship. The differences between the British nationalities aren’t quite as stark anymore and many Scots feel an allegiance to the Union Jack flag. 

Still, Scots hold themselves apart and it’s true that their cultural identity and patriotism runs deep. A good majority of Scots are more aligned with left wing politics and feel that the relatively conservative government in London doesn’t fairly represent them. But yet the polls show the ‘no’ votes slightly edging out those in favor of separation, revealing that a slight majority of Scotsmen (and women) view their symbiotic relationship with Great Britain and Northern Ireland as a positive thing for their country. 

Separation brings uncertainty. Who gets the oil rights? What will happen to their currency? Will they join the EU? None of these questions appear to have answers, at least none that I can satisfactorily find. 

SOURCE

To me, the oil question is a biggie. With oil revenues along with a healthy and robust tourism and agriculture industry, Scotland’s economy should manage just fine without mother England. But many oil companies have already starting downsizing their Scottish offices in preparation for this vote, leaving me to believe that there is some fine print giving England and the rest of the UK the rights to the reserves of oil in the North Sea. I couldn't seem to find a definitive answer either way, so if you know something more specific I'd be interested to know.

Scotland houses the UK’s nuclear arsenal despite being pretty solidly against nuclear weaponry. As a country, they also have leanings towards socialism and nationalization whereas the rest of the UK tends to lean toward more austerity and cutting back on social programs.  

People have asked me my opinion and I usually reply with a lot of back and forth. It’s just an issue with a lot of complex variables and an uncertain future. The emotional side of me thinks YES, while the rational side of me thinks maybe not.   

The sad part is that it seems to be an almost 50/50 split meaning that 50% of the population will be deeply unhappy with the results either way. As someone who’s often been on the barely losing side of political outcomes, I can empathize with that. When you have to submit to a government who opposes your core values and principles, it can be a very bitter pill to swallow. But that’s democracy for ya. It ain't perfect but it's the best we've got. Here’s some comic relief to take the edge off such a tense decision. 

Will Scotland be an independent nation when we wake up tomorrow? It’s a historical moment either way.