Originally
posted by
Pang:
The biggest issue I see is that Spain will block Scotland from joining the EU as to not let Catalonia and if that happens and Scotland isn't able to join the EU that will really hurt them. Either way, Scotland will lose any control or say over their own central bank if they separate which is a major problem that would, personally, cause me to vote no if I lived there.
Thoughts?
Lots of FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt)
The EU is supposedly this democratic institution, but for 90% of the population of Europe it's seen as anything but. Voting activity in EU elections is high if its over 20%
Now how does the EU say you cannot have democratic elections and decide what to do with your country?
It cannot - but Spain is the argument.
But Spain is the one with empty pockets and needing aid, aid Scotland and those nations closest to it are paying. Huff and Puff doesn't mean they're successful in bocking.
EU don't like this election one bit - but it would cease to have any credibility if it prevents some sort of amicable solution to an independent Scotland.
Originally
posted by
Pang:
There is an area of Spain called Catalonia (Barcelona area) that wants to separate from Spain as they have a distinct culture and language and, back in the day, were essentially conquered by the rest of Spain.
I could have sword that Isabelle of Castille married Ferdinand of Aragon, which ended up causing centuries of war in Europe, sent a semi-drunk named Columbus to discover the new world and founded Spanish Inquisition.
So basically Catalonia chose to form Espana with Castille.
Originally
posted by
archaic:
do the Scots really think they will be able to sustain the current levels of social giving without fiscal support from London? Do the Scots realize the implication of having to support their own healthcare system, highways, military, and education?
Own highways, military, education and healthcare? Sounds like independence to me! That's what they're asking for, so surely they have some realization of that implication.
Roads already exist so mostly upkeet, same with education - military would be a simpleish split, division of assets and whatnot. Military expenses for Scotland would presumably be less than the division would entail as they'd be unlikely to go Rambo'ing into Iraq with Dubbya, or worry about ridiculously expensive submarines that cant sail a mile out of port without breaking down..
So there's already budget savings there..
And they got the oil.
How much is the question - if they got enough like the SNP contests, then Scotland will be better off without the South. If not then not obviously.
I've never met a Scotsman who identified as being from the UK, or Great Britain. They were always Scots. If they're that independent at hear, might as well be independent officially, as democracy - the lower it is the better it represents the desires of the people (see EU) - and ever since the French Revolution there's been this rollercoaster ride towards democracy. The Swiss are in the leading carriage.
