I can't believe it? Independence?????

[TamSV]

Originally Posted by The Basket

My view is simple. This whole independence debate is pure 100% nationalist with a thin vaneer of economic credibility. It should be the other way around.

I agree with almost everything else you've said but I don't agree with that particular point. It seems to me any economic certainty is impossible but we keep going round in circles using the same facts and figures to prove opposite points. It's all meaningless on a personal level anyway. We're talking about national GDP when what matters to the individual is how that wealth is distributed.

In any case, if I could prove to your satisfaction that Scotland would be better off (which I absolutely can't) would you vote Yes? If I could prove to Bibio that Scotland would be worse off (which I also can't) I don't think he would be voting No.

This seems to be the case with pretty much everyone I speak to who has already made their mind up. On both sides we're all using pretty dodgy economic arguments to justify a decision we've made anyway, latching on to anything that supports that decision and discounting anything that doesn't.

Borders are pretty artificial things and they're never drawn because they represent the optimal economic unit. I don't see any reason why Scotland or the UK should be any different.

The question is "Should Scotland be an independent country?" You either think it should or you think it shouldn't. They're equally valid points of view and there doesn't really need to be a business case made either way. The future will be uncertain whichever way the vote goes. Anyone who says Scotland can't afford to be independent is just as wrong as anyone who says we'll all be fabulously wealthy. It's a dreary argument with no conclusion IMO.

I know you were drawn somewhat reluctantly into making the case for the union but I personally think that case is self-evident. I agree with you on almost all the points you made and disagree with most of the pro-independence comments in the last few pages of this thread.

But I'll still be voting Yes.

I can argue economics but stuffed when nationalism is involved.

[Bibio]

i think you have missed a decimal point out there and if you haven't then the revenue gained by oil alone would be more than Scotlands annual allowance.

dont matter, you edited your post.

[SIII]

[littleoldman2]

The pound.
I believe there is only one pound, GBP, no Scottish pound or English pound just GBP. The difference in notes is just that, a different note for the same thing the GBP.

I think that poster is not helpful. At all.

anyhoo....I have no axe to grind. So although I will vote no I respect a civic pride of nationalism that is positive and constructive.

I hope I have added something even made you think. But it wasnt my intention to prove anyone wrong. Or change minds.

I could add more but I have decided to call time on this one.

This will be my last message on this subject.

Unless Marc Marquez becomes SNP leader.

[Bibio]

i think your wrong Malc, there is only one GBP and that belongs to the BOE. all other notes are issued by the country etc.etc. Scottish notes do not belong to the BOE they are a separate 'issue' and belong to the bank they were printed by but each bank has to keep a retainer in the BOE to make them 'tender'. it's all a lot more complicated but thats about the gist of it. so in a way yes the BOE notes are the only legal tender in the UK. as for calling Scottish currency the 'Scottish Pound' there is nothing anyone can do to stop it, it's just that it will not be linked to the GBP. as an example just like the Canadian Dollar to the US Dollar.

[startrek.steve]

Originally Posted by squirrel_hunter

Upon Scotland gaining independence I will instruct Adrian’s Wall to be rebuilt.

Who's this Adrian?
Surely the mean the Emperor Hadrian?
We use the letter H regularly in yorkshire!

[punyXpress]

Originally Posted by startrek.steve

Who's this Adrian?
Surely the mean the Emperor Hadrian?
We drop the letter H regularly in North Yorkshire!

That's better!

[SIII]

I spluttered my tea out when i read people in yorkshire use their H's !!!

I actually think Cumbria, Northumberland and Durham would be better off actually joing Scotland in independence. They too are forgotten and neglected area's when it comes to the fair distrobution of funds from westminster.

So - come on guys - form a liberation army and demand freedom and come and join us.