Well, it was with a heavy heart lastnight that I put my cross in the ‘no’ box. After lots of research, engagement with both campaigns and soul searching I went with the easy way out. My reasoning –I don’t have strong feelings either way about being British, I don’t care for electing a government in London that has no concern with Scotland or anything in common with it. Every single thing that the yes camp stood for and promises, I support and agree with. A more representative government, a fairer society, using our own resources, getting rid of trident. All very relevant and really appeal to me. However, whilst each of these things are very nice ideals to have and work towards, none of them are really going to make a difference in the pocket of the hard working man. Contrast that however with voting no. We have been promised devo max which is automatically an improvement on what we have. If the predictions of some noted economists, industry experts and politicians from here and around the world do turn out to be true then we would be heading for a disaster which we would all feel in the pocket. In the end, my decision came down to the economy. Consistent with decisions by millions of voters in countries across countless elections. Sadly I let fear decide rather than hope. Had yes won, I wouldn’t have been disappointed that I was on the losing side of the vote, I would have been pleased that the majority of Scots had the balls to do what I didn’t. At least until the world fell in. I’ve got to say, for me it was a close run thing. I waited until 9.15 lastnight and even then was havering. I honestly believe that if the three parties had not put devo max on the table a week ago I would have voted yes. The irony for tory backbenchers to swallow is it took the man they ousted as PM to take ownership of the No campaign and rescue it with promise of more powers for Scotland regardless of the result. Glasgow’s a solemn place today, the party atmosphere is gone and the smiles have disappeared. Theres a few remnants with some people pontificating in George Square and the news crews still hovering around but nothing major. The good things are the turnout – 85% shows that when things are worth voting for and you can make a difference the people will turn up! The fact that we are going to get devo max can only be a good thing. Tory backbenchers are not going to like it but it will happen. It will also have knock on effects for the rest of the UK. UK gov power has been centralised for too long, losing touch with the rest of the country. Expect further power to the regions.
He's not that popular. A good chunk of the 45% who voted no lastnight will have been voting for independance, not Salmond. However, you are correct, he is a very skilled politician.
Not really, campaign posters ripped off walls and a few shouts at the opposition during rally's. Nothing really nasty (yet). The worst its got was the abuse put on twitter by an English idiot directed at Andy Murray when he announced he was voting yes. The idiot in question lambasted him and then said he wished he was killed in the Dunblane massacre. Think the police are on that at the moment.
Awww, if only you'd told them that earlier I'm sure we'd have a had a resounding Yes victory, because if there is one thing the Scots are known for, well, it's for ensuring dipsomaniac Americans are happy.
Half Time Although the fall out is starting, Cameron has tried to nip the West Lothian question in the bud causing Milibrain to backpedal. Labour are well aware that having the Scots keep out of English matters will be a hindrance to their own aims, although how that pans out for them in the actual election is another thing. UKIP take from all sides, and just as a lot of Labour supporters went for Yes in Scotland, I can see their take costing them voters to UKIP. Next up is the General Election next May, Labour have already seen their lead eroded, and Milibrain dragging his feet on reform will cost them more. Then is what happens if we get a EU referendum and if a majority want out, I can see the Scots getting itchy feet again in that eventuality.
Totally not a need for the police, at least beyond taking them round Murray's pad to see what being a wealthy tennis player gets you and a video of him fucking his attractive missus, just to hammer home how little being a Twitter troll has got them in life, and then finally dropping them off in some moors and pointing towards the general direction of England with a cheery fuck off. We're way too thin skinned with social media trolls.
None are perfect, or can be. but shoving 3 or more ethnic groups who kind of hate each other together under one flag is stupid.
