Ending Separation

A term often used by unionists is ‘separatism’.  We in the ‘Yes’ campaign are described as ‘separatists’ for wanting decisions affecting Scotland being made in Scotland.  I believe this to be the opposite of the truth, and that independence will create more relationships than it will end.

 'Sign for Scotland' members John, Moira and Drew in Lhanbryde, Moray, helping 'Yes Moray'

At the moment, Scotland is only indirectly represented on the world’s stage.  Scotland is not directly represented at the United Nations.  Scotland is not directly represented within the EU at all meetings.  Scotland is not directly represented within NATO, the WTO and many other organisations.  To me, being part of the UK is separating us from directly interacting with the rest of the world.

To know why direct representation is important, please compare and contrast these sets of statements (half of these are from ‘www.johndclare.net’):

‘All government rests ultimately on force, to which Scotland, owing to physical, moral and social reasons, is not capable of contributing’.

‘All government rests ultimately on force, to which women, owing to physical, moral and social reasons, are not capable of contributing’.

‘There is little doubt that the vast majority of Scots have no desire for independence’.

‘There is little doubt that the vast majority of women have no desire for the vote’.

‘Past legislation in Parliament shows that the interests of Scots are perfectly safe in the hands of Westminster.’

‘Past legislation in Parliament shows that the interests of women are perfectly safe in the hands of men’.

‘Scots have at present a vast indirect influence through their MPs on the politics of this country’.

‘Women have at present a vast indirect influence through their menfolk on the politics of this country’.

Just as women’s suffrage was not about women separating themselves from men, Scottish Independence is not about separating from England, Wales or Northern Ireland.  It is about creating a new relationship of equals; one which allows Scotland to interact directly with the rest of the world.

I believe that we should have a direct influence on the world around us.  I want us to be friends with other peoples, rather than follow the violent and threatening actions of Westminster.  I want us to have many allies of our own free choice, rather than blindly following those selected for us.  I want the opportunity to vote for a government that will stand by the courage of its convictions, rather than one which stands by the donors to its party.

Independence is best because we can stand shoulder to shoulder with everyone else.  Voting no will only entrench our separated status.

Drew