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Why should we wait?



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I was surprised and disappointed that, according to recent press reports, Sir Tom Farmer believes Scotland should wait another two generations before achieving independence.
My main objection to this delay is that I wish to be around when it happens and join in the celebrations. When you consider that I have already passed three score years and ten, there would be no chance.

Another very important objection is that Scotland's oil wealth would continue to be squandered by Westminster governments, instead of being used on health education and job creation in our own country, the very things Sir Tom supports. How can any Scottish government achieve the desired improvements without full control of Scotland's resources?

Alex Salmond knows what is best for our country, and most people in Scotland are waking up to this fact. The referendum cannot come soon enough.

JIM CARSON

Larchfield

Balerno, Midlothian





The full article contains 150 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 09 May 2008 8:44 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Hugh V McLachlan,

Elderslie 10/05/2008 00:33:48
Wendy Alexander knows that Alex Salmond does not want a referendum at present because a majority vote for independence is unlikely.
See:
http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/blog/archives/1198
2

Sierra Foothills Scot,

Diamond Springs 10/05/2008 02:11:59
There is hope, Mr Carson. Tom Farmer's opinion is not going to override the SNP manifesto for a referendum in 2010.
3

Stuart W,

10/05/2008 03:29:49
Quote from letter:

"Alex Salmond knows what is best for our country, and most people in Scotland are waking up to this fact. The referendum cannot come soon enough."

But Alex Salmond doesn't think that "the referendum cannot come soon enough".

Mr Carson's closing line seems more Wendy than Alex!!!
4

Guga II,

Rockall 10/05/2008 04:30:02
Independence will come, it is inevitable. However, like Jim carson, I hope it comes before all our oil resources are stolen and squandered by the Westminster government.

The English government would, of course, fully support independence for Scotland if they had already finished exploiting us and there was no oil left. We would no longer be able to subsidise England and would be of no further use to them.
5

John PM,

Edinburgh 10/05/2008 07:03:37
I find 'Braveheart Wendy' even less convincing than 'Red Wendy'. 'Hypocrite Wendy' fits very well however.

Just what shape does Wendy think Scotland would be in after a no vote on independence? What new powers would England give us then?

Wendy's 'hope' for Scotland is to see us humiliated internationally as a country which is uniquely incapable of being independent.

In sharp contrast the SNP are trying to involve the public in a conversation to boost their confidence that independence and normality is possible. The contrast couldn't be sharper.

I think she underestimates independence support and I will work hard for a 'yes' vote whenever it happens. Who celebrated the British union in 2007? That's who'll be working for the union in a referendum along with those politicians whose gravy train depends on it! A wonderful combination!

Wendy has shown that she doesn't want Scotland to have more powers at all, she couldn't care less about her rigged commission, no doubt Gordon has already informed her of how little power he is willing to hand over!

If she thinks this will inspire respect she is mistaken. Right decision to support a referendum, wrong reasons.
6

Border Scot,

10/05/2008 07:08:21
Those English, eh Guga II? Forcing the Scots not to give a majority of their votes for the SNP in election after election, stampeding them into the polling stations to vote for unionist parties, forcing the Scots to have a Scottish Prime Minister, a Scottish Chancellor and a Scottish defence secretary. Is there no limit to the wickedness of the English and their Parliament?
7

Border Scot,

10/05/2008 07:11:11
#5 - Catalonia, Bavaria and Lombardy are all thriving countries that are not independent. Scotland is not unique.
8

EWB,

UK 10/05/2008 07:25:39
Absolute tosh, Mr Carson!

Alex Salmon with his ludicrous "independent Scotland in Europe" (no nation is independent in the EU, and Smart Alec knows this, so this is calculated deceit) does not know what is best for Scotland.

Article 176a of the Lisbon Treaty will give the EU power over the whole field of energy and Scotland's oil and gas reserves. Remember what happened to Scotland's fishing stocks.

The only model for an independent Scotland is Norway.
9

Hamish Scott,

10/05/2008 07:37:13
#8
"ludicrous "independent Scotland in Europe" (no nation is independent in the EU."

Alex Salmond wants the same constitutional satus for Scotland as the UK currently has. The UK is 'independent in Europe'.

"Remember what happened to Scotland's fishing stocks."

Yes, given away by British governments, your point is?

10

Rulesbutnotrulers,

Federation, not separation 10/05/2008 07:39:59
The break up of the Union affects all UK residents and so all must be consulted.

A federal solution will allow this and should be tried before the irrevocable last step is taken.

The nationalists risk jumping from frying pan to fire. Scottish turkeys voting for Christmas.
11

Mikey,

10/05/2008 07:50:12
Rules, you really do talk rot! A federal UK? And where would the National Government be? London?
12

Venachar,

10/05/2008 09:16:23
Rule

The north of England was offered "federalisation" but they were too stupid to understand what was being offered to them.

All they do is winge to the encouragement of windbags such as Kelvin McKenzie and the Daily Mail.

Little Englanders is just about the right description. Panic buying of fuel in Cornwall when Grangemouth was shut just proves how stupid most people down south really are.
13

Steve,

Bo'ness 10/05/2008 09:24:16
There will always be some sort of loose federation between Scotland and her neighbours. We have strong links that will never be broken. I have no gripe with the English, but unless we are in FULL control of our affairs, then unionists in Scotland will tow the party line, which inevitably means conceding that Scotland's interests come second to their own politial parties. And some jealously guarded London careers.
14

Steve,

Bo'ness 10/05/2008 09:31:07
12 Why should England be broken into easily digestible chunks? England has the same right to self determination as we do. How would you feel if Scotland was split into 2 or 3 devolved regions?

If I were English, I'd be putting all my efforts into an English assembly. The truth is, Labour are scared of English identity, because they cling to an imperial 18th century vision of Britishness.
15

Unimpressed one,

10/05/2008 09:43:30
The SNP have missed the boat on independence. The EU rules sovereign states now. Salmond has a choice: true independence outside the EU or a change of master - Brussels instead of Westminster. He can't have it both ways.
16

Venachar,

10/05/2008 09:58:20
Steve

England has been split! London and the rest! London has a huge budget and one man is elected every four years. McKenzie and similar people do not rant and rave about that.

You are right in that it is fear and loss of power in the current system that prohibits change.

Go federal in the UK and do away with the house of Lords or the House of Commons. The English regions could decide what to do with their block grant as we do. Now wouldn't that be interesting!
17

Linda,

Edinburgh 10/05/2008 10:28:08
EWB should realise that Norway is obliged to implement almost all of EU legislation in order to trade with the EU but does not have any influence in drafting such legislation unlike an independent Scotland in Europe.

At least as an independent country Scotland would have the choice to be in or out of the EU.
18

EWB,

UK 10/05/2008 11:00:46
#17: Neil Kinnock, that convert to Europeanism, always banged on about "influence", but just tell me how much influence the UK, one of 27, really does have. And once QMV kicks in, influence becomes further diminished.

I am sure that 80% of Norway's legislation does not come from the EU, unlike that in the EU member states.

Sadly, the SNP is not offering an independent Scotland the choice of being in or out of the EU. Simply inside, and bang will go the ultimate control of the oil and gas reserves.

The only advantage for Scotland within the EU will be that its territorial integrity will be preserved and as #14 rightly argues, England has the same right to its territorial integrity. However, it will be balkanised in the EU superstate.

And only two weeks ago, some luminary in Brussels came up with the notion of trans-national regions, whereby, for example, the south-east of England would be linked with the north of France and the Low Countries. Scotland is to be linked with Denmark and some other Nordic area.

Don't kid yourselves, you nationalists: the aim of the EU is to destroy the nation state. Scotland will simply end up as a European region.
19

Daniel Salaman,

Nicosia Cyprus 10/05/2008 11:01:48
unimpressed one Could you be kind enough to let us all understand as to what you mean The SPN missed the boat? My second question is ... Dose the majority of Scotland population prefer Brussels lnstead of Westminster,and if that is the case ,do you personaly think that Scotland would better off?Thank you.
20

Daniel Salaman,

Nicosia Cyprus. 10/05/2008 12:22:27
EWB.UK I am trying to understand your Xenophobia in other words your EU- Phobia....In your article you have said that EU is to destroy the nation state,then on you went to say,Scotland will simply end up as a Europian region. I have no fear of the EU,would you be good enough to let us all understand, as to where you are getting your negative information.Kindly let us have, right in the open your philosophical dirrections.
21

Hugh V McLachlan,

Elderslie 10/05/2008 13:02:57
Hamish Scott,10/05/2008 07:37:13

'Yes, given away by British governments, your point is?'

Rhetorical flourishes that can be delivered orally with charm often, like this one, appear rude and silly in print.
22

Al Ford,

Insch 10/05/2008 13:41:16
After spending the past 300 or so years in bed with an elephant, Scotland seems to me to be pretty keen to get out of it, but I for one am satisfied with the SNP timetable.

I can endure the discomfort for a little while longer. But another two generations' worth? I don't think so.
23

Hugh V McLachlan,

Elderslie 10/05/2008 13:56:28
19 Daniel Salaman,Nicosia Cyprus

'Dose the majority of Scotland population prefer Brussels lnstead of Westminster?'

The majority prefer Westminster to Holyrood, which is the relevant comparison. See #1.
24

EWB,

UK 10/05/2008 15:18:23
#20: the nation state is the United Kingdom. I am not xenophobic. Your argument reminds me of those whose response to someone questioning our immigration policy is to call them racist. I wish Britain to trade with the EU, as she trades with the rest of the world, and I wish our laws, traditions and currency to prevail. The European superstate wishes to put an end to national sovereignty.I prefer Magna Carta to the Napoleonic Code.
25

Beth Boyle,

NY 11/05/2008 06:09:46
Wendy is calling Salmonds bluff. Smart girl!

 

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