Lemme check on that:
The fact that the Brits are starting to whine that the Americans haven't said anything about the issue might be a sign that the pro-independence forces have a real shot at winning the referendum.
Sure there might be some concerns about this or that or the other. But whether or not Scotland (or Wales or Mercia) votes for independence is an issue for the Limeys and the Haggis-Eaters to settle. It's their domestic squabble and, like most other domestic squabbles, the best advice for outsiders is to stay the fuck out of it.
I basically do not give a flying fuck one way or the other, but cannot help but wonder what the military arrangements would be in the event of succession.
ReplyDeleteI note that historically, Scotsmen and Ulstermen have been disproportionately represented amongst the British military achievers. Would Scotland be militarily dependent upon Britain, or vice versa?
Could prove interesting to watch. But it would be like a soccer game between the two nations. Would want to see some good animated playing on the field for entertainment purposes, but have no vested interest riding one way or the other.
Actually, there are several countires watching this with great trepidation:
ReplyDeleteCanada, China, Spain, Nigeria and Iran/Iraq/Turkey/Syria to name a few. The problem with the Sudan/South Sudan settlement was the worry that other "breakaway regions" would see it as a blueprint. As for our concerns, don't forget "the South will rise again" isn't just a throwaway phrase to a large group of people.
The Balkanization that might start here is a really possible threat to some very wealthy people...they won't take this lying down, and this could be a first domino to tip. The people in London have finally realized those crazy Scots are serious, and are about to approve real devolution of powers that will likely swing the balance back to Union.
The US tried to "stay out of Europe" before WWI...not saying we need to be there, but if you hear a dog barking, it pays to look around before nodding off to sleep again.
I wouldn't worry too much about Canada, the separatiste movement has run out of gas a decade ago. The "No" side won narrowly in '95 and since then federalist parties have held the provincial legislature. Also the province of Quebec is heavily in debt and dependent on federal transfers.
ReplyDeleteThe real questions about Scotland is who gets the North Sea oil fields and how long before the socialist Labour party politicians turn it into Venezuela North?
Al_in_Ottawa
They should ask Ireland, Spain and Greece about the advisability of sharing a currency without sharing a government.
ReplyDelete-Doug in Oakland