The Consequences of Supporting Scottish Independence: Separation or Sovereignty?
When it comes to the topic of Scottish independence, opinions vary widely. Some argue that it would result in a complete separation from England, while others believe that such an outcome is impossible. This article explores the potential consequences of supporting Scottish independence and what each scenario might entail.
Impossible Separation
It is impossible for complete separation to take place. Scotland is physically joined to England, and even with a hard border, cross-border trade and a thriving black market will still exist. The United States and Canada have a hard border, and they trade without problems, further illustrating that a hard border does not necessarily mean a complete separation.
What is more likely is the establishment of completely separate governments. Residents of Scotland will have the right to elect their own government, rather than having them thrust upon them by their southern neighbors. The only difference would be the independence of governance, not a fundamental change in the geographical or economic reality of Scotland.
Scotland will still be here, with its iconic products such as whisky, beef, oil and gas, and electricity. However, the question is whether England, and other entities within the United Kingdom, will be able to afford to buy these resources. This is where the rub lies.
Separation as Two Separate Countries
Others argue that Scotland would end up as two separate countries if independence were to be achieved. This would bring about massive changes to Scotland because it would be cut off from England as an open country. A border would need to be established between the two countries, and the UK military (Army, Navy, and Air Force) would have to be disbanded, replaced by a separate Scottish force for protection.
The negotiation of oil fields would be a pressing issue, as well as changes to the National Health Service (NHS), driving licenses, and passports. These are significant challenges that would need to be addressed.
Reality Check: Scottish Independence Vote and Recent Elections
It is important to note that Scotland has already voted to remain in the UK. More recently, during its election, the Independence Party, SNP, lost 41 seats. They shifted from being the largest party to the smallest, and the Scottish people have rejected their independence proposals. This indicates that the Scottish people are content with remaining part of the United Kingdom.
Consequences for Adherents of Scottish Nationalism
Supporting Scottish independence often results in its adherents becoming cult-like members with prescribed views. For example, some politicians like Humza Yousaf and Christine Graham have exhibited nonsensical behavior and words. Shona Robison, a former SNP minister, has been criticized for her involvement in educational policies that promote a "dumbing down" of the curriculum. Jenny GilMooth, another SNP politician, has been criticized for her role in such educational changes.
The SNP has often portrayed itself as left-wing, progressive, and rational, but this is far from the truth. Its inability to provide a coherent plan for the financial management of a new state is notable. The quality of leadership and elected representatives is so poor that it has descended into farce. Politicians like Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond have been criticized for their decisions and policies, such as Sturgeon's claim that the Minimum Retail Price on alcohol was her biggest achievement during her tenure, while alcohol-related deaths in Scotland reached record highs the day before.
The SNP has also implemented policies that have affected Scottish freedoms, such as the fascist Named Person laws and the controversial hate crime legislation.
These political and social failures have led to a decline in support for the SNP. The days when supporting Scottish nationalism was considered a deeply held religious faith are numbered. The future of Scottish politics is looking for more mature and responsible leadership.
The consequences of supporting Scottish independence today are largely negative. They include becoming a cult member with prescribed "right think," engaging in questionable policies, and supporting individuals with poor moral, mathematical, and logical faculties. It is crucial for individuals to carefully consider the consequences of their support for Scottish independence, especially given the ongoing political and social challenges facing the country.