My friend Malcolms yessay: --- To date, my answer has always been no, I havent decided. Tonight, I have. Im voting Yes. About a year ago, I said what will convince me to vote Yes is not whether Scotland can survive alone (I believe it could, although disengagement would be painful), but whether the political gulf between Scotland and Westminster is large, and the willingness to bridge it is small. What will convince me to vote No is not Scotland is too small and weak arguments, but how we could bridge that gap, bring the UK closer politically, accommodate regional differences, and work positively to actually be better together than we are today. What Ive heard from the Yes campaign is a message of hope - give us a mandate, and well engage with the people of Scotland (even those that voted No), and build a Scotland that represents its people. What Ive heard from Better Together in favour of what would be better after a No vote is... nothing. I kind of expected them to give us a good alternative at the last minute, some good news, concrete proposals.. but.. too late now. In fact, theres a fair bit of analysis showing why wed be worse off after a No vote - voting no gives Westminster a mandate to reform Scotland, on their terms. I can understand voting No to keep the status quo, but you lost that option as soon as the referendum was announced. The choice is now between reform under the jurisdiction of Westminster, or reform under the jurisdiction of Holyrood. And Ill choose the people who represent Scotland.. because.. I want to live in a country thats committed to remaining part of Europe I want to live in a country thats committed to the Convention on Human Rights I want to live in a country thats committed to free education and healthcare for all I want to live in a country that believes in a safety net welfare system for those who need it I want to live in a country that doesnt have a xenophobic attitude to immigrants I suspect the vote will be close, and thats a good thing. Whoever wins, should know just how many people didnt agree with them, and make sure they include them in their plans for reform. So, Ive decided. Its Yes for me. My friends in Scotland have my respect however they decide to vote. But please do vote, this is one of the most significant political decisions well make in our lifetimes.
Posted on: Wed, 27 Aug 2014 12:38:47 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015