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June 7, 2008 at 7:18 pm #1116
skiguy
ModeratorI just read in one of my books that Scotland has a strong independence movement that wants to get out of the UK. Does anyone know anything more about this?The British Isles sure are an interesting little corner of Europe.
June 9, 2008 at 4:51 pm #11821Beaumaris
ParticipantI'm not 100% sure about all of that but I do know that within the last 10 years, they did stand up their own parliment with the ability to enact their own laws, but are still subserviant to the Queen. This may be something to watch. If regions of Great Britain can establish their own identity and then separate from Great Britain, what's to stop any non American group from establishing their identity and suining for independence from the US? We must be careful.
June 9, 2008 at 5:59 pm #11822scout1067
ParticipantI vaguely remember reading something along these lines. I know the independence movement was the motivating force behind the resurrection of the Scottish Parliament and the return to home rule a few years ago. I was not aware that they were clamoring for full independence.That brings up the interesting question of whether they would want to revive the Scottish Monarchy and if so, who would ascend the throne. Remember that the Royal lines of Scotland and England merged in the 17th century.
June 9, 2008 at 9:59 pm #11823DonaldBaker
ParticipantThe Scots don't really want total independence, they just want autonomy. They realize going it alone in the world economy would be ruinous for them. They just want to let London know every now and then they can take care of their own affairs without help from Downing Street.
June 9, 2008 at 10:16 pm #11824skiguy
ModeratorThat's been a heavily debated issue in all if these countries who seek autonomy or self-rule. Many are concerned that their economy will go down with the UK's or even the EU's if that were to occur. They don't like this socialism thing of helping poorer countries through increased taxation either. I think one of the biggest things is they don't want another country telling them what they can and can't do. It's not only economic policies, it's also about civil laws.
June 9, 2008 at 10:21 pm #11825DonaldBaker
ParticipantSuffice it to say that London will only tolerate autonomy…anything beyond that will bring major upheavals. I don't think it will ever go that far anyway.
June 9, 2008 at 10:34 pm #11826scout1067
ParticipantSuffice it to say that London will only tolerate autonomy...anything beyond that will bring major upheavals. I don't think it will ever go that far anyway.
I doubt whether western Europeans have the stomach for civl war. London would curl up its tail and let Scotland secede before they would shed blood over it. I too, don't think it would get that far. But if it did, it would happen bloddlessly. Just my opinion.Europeans don't have fire left in their belly's
June 9, 2008 at 11:14 pm #11827skiguy
Moderatoranything beyond that will bring major upheavals.
Like Northern Ireland it will probably be determined by a vote. Democracy is not a sign of weakness. Not every change has to be bloody.
June 9, 2008 at 11:47 pm #11828DonaldBaker
ParticipantScotland is a lot bigger hunk of real estate than Northern Ireland….London has shed tons of blood to win and hold Scotland throughout history….I just don't see them ever granting full independence, especially now that the EU would have a say….and they might usurp the whole deal away from the Brits anyway.
June 10, 2008 at 2:09 pm #11829Beaumaris
ParticipantOne thing about much of the people living in the UK is their patriotism to their country, not specifically to the UK. If you talk to anyone over in Scotland, they will tell you they are Scottish before they would say British. Even in England, they are English before British. Basically I think the UK, and even the EU for that sake, are becoming more like the US in the fact that the individual countries have become like our States, part of a single greater government but having some autonomy.
June 10, 2008 at 2:14 pm #11830scout1067
ParticipantBasically I think the UK, and even the EU for that sake, are becoming more like the US in the fact that the individual countries have become like our States, part of a single greater government but having some autonomy.
You may have hit on something here. I know I think of myself as an Oklahoman as well as an American. My Great-Grandfather was an original Sooner having staked his claim that is now the family farm about a week before the 1889 Land Rush. Living in Texas I see this tendency taken to extremes. I also like to take the air out of Texans whenever possible of course! Boomer Sooner!!
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