Scotland's Historic Vote: Independence or Unity?

On September 18, Scottish citizen's living in Scotland (those who live in England or elsewhere are not allowed to vote) will decide whether to continue a 307-year partnership with England or declare independence from the United Kingdom. Either way, this vote will be history in the making.

John and I were in Scotland last week for a few days.  Everywhere we went there were signs for the vote.  There were 10 times more "Yes"  than "No" signs. But when we asked people we met how they intended to vote, everyone we asked said they would vote "No".  Confusing?  It gets worse.  One day the polls have the "Yes" vote for independence leading.  The next day, the polls say that unity will win and the "No" vote is ahead.  It is a white knuckle, neck to neck, razor close race and everyone in the U.K. feels passionate about about the outcome, whether they can vote or not. 

Here is an analogy for my American friends:  Imagine if Texas (or California, or your state) arranged an up-or-down vote to secede from the United Sates. The only people who could vote would be Texans living in Texas and the outcome of the vote would be binding and would forever change the definition and boundaries of the United States as well as the newly formed country of 5 million people.  That is roughly what the United Kingdom is facing on September 18.  If Scotland secedes, there will be all kinds of changes for both Scotland and for what remains of the United Kingdom. If the vote is to stay united, the issues that divide the voters will not soon go away, there will be continued tension and, for half the country, deep passionate regret. This opportunity to vote for independence won't come again in any of the voters' lifetime.  At the same time, if Scotland votes for independence, there is no going back.  

I've listened to many debates, read pro-independence and pro-united articles, and have felt the bludgeoning force of the political threats (i.e. Bank of Scotland and many other corporation claim they will leave Scotland if it becomes independent) and even I can see the merits of both sides of the arguments. Even so, if I could vote I would vote for the U.K. to remain united but with more self-governing powers going to Scotland.  At the same time I can see why the Scots want their independence and the opportunity to govern themselves. It has been fascinating to watch this process, think about all the questions this vote has and will continue to bring to the forefront,  and to realize that I care deeply about the outcome. 

For more information: 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/events/scotland-decides

 http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/16/world/europe/many-questions-arise-from-scottish-independence-vote.html?_r=0

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2014/09/15/scotlands_independence_vote_seen_as_razor-close_123973.html 

If you could, how would you vote?  What does this election mean to you?