Tomorrow’s the big vote in Scotland. I’m all for independence. Nick Land has argued, and I think rightly, that because Scotland pulls farther to the Left than the UK as a whole, its separation would immediately snap the rump UK rightward, while at the same time separation from London’s flowing teat would accelerate the failure of the unsustainable Leftist project in Scotland. This in turn should provoke, after some necessary unpleasantness, a rightward reaction in Scotland as well, and a return to traditional Scottish values — industry, thrift, self-reliance, care for the future, and reluctance to burden others with your troubles — core cultural traits that have melted away after too many years in the warm, stupefacient soak-bath of the British welfare state.
So from a reactionary point of view, it’s a nae-brainer. I think I might even head for Cawdor Castle, my family’s ancestral seat, and see if I can lay claim to the Thanedom.
Update, 9/18, 4 PM EDT: According to this Twitter trend-map, the Ayes are out in force.
Update, 9/18, 11:30 PM EDT: It looks like the Naes are going to carry the day. Oh well.
16 Comments
You and I seem to be in the minority, at least among my circle of e-friends and acquaintances.
A very well expressed summary of some traditional Scottish values.
Pollack is an old Scottish name. But to be “distantly related” to Macbeth, Thane of Cawdor, would be an enviable literary heritage – though historically spurious, I believe.
If independence would move Scots back towards traditional Scottish values; I, too, would be for it. Sadly, I think that is a non-starter.
I tweeted a Forbes piece listing 6 ways that a newly independent Scotland could make itself a model nation. Sadly, Scotland would do none of them.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/nathanlewis/2014/09/16/six-great-things-an-independent-scotland-could-do/
Rhys,
The lineage is fairly direct, through my mother, Alison Calder, who grew up in Edinburgh. We’re Campbell of Cawdor.
I realize it’s a long shot.
ML,
Well, we’ll see.
A friend and I were discussing this today over coffee, and he pointed out that GB has a Triton missile base in Scotland, and a parts storage nearby. So how do they handle that? Also, he points out that Scotland as an independent nation will have no way to defend itself. Ultimately the Brits could have Russian tanks pointed at them over Hadrian’s wall.
I guess the Scots will have to use the Tritons to hold off the Russians.
If Scotland seceds, won’t it still remain allied with GB on defense?
BTW, how are the Russians going to get their tanks into Scotland?
It’s a relief to me that common sense has prevailed with this referendum. Best for both countries. Also, respect to Gordon Brown, the most hopeless PM ever, who gave a fine speech, without notes, and with undeniable passion, that maybe convinced some waverers.
Malcolm, I have to say that your views on this topic surprised me. You speak of your Scottish mother and what she would have wanted, and I speak to dyed in the wool Scots, who were not buying this deal.
Please don’t think that I am trying to personalise this: but we have guys up the road who invite us to their New Years’s gigs, play the bagpipe on auspicious occasions, and are the “keepers” of the language, so if they want to stay in, I’ll go with that.
Our dearest friend in Australia (also, now and again, residing in New York) didn’t want a bar of it either. And much a we love each other, he is not a fan of the English. Just a pragmatist.
I don’t know much about English/Scottish history, but I am aware that there is not much love lost between these neighboring peoples.
Throughout history, the primary interaction between neighbors, especially between relatives, has been war. One might recall that familiarity breeds contempt (to coin a phrase). Also, the first recorded homicide was a fratricide.
Henry, there is plenty of love. Our Scottish friend has always been there for us, supporting us through some difficult times, way beyond what could have asked.
Dour? Hmm, slightly. Mean? Not at all, the most genuine person, a proud Scot, and sometimes a tease. Doesn’t much like English, or Catholics. He has been great, and all the hate that is talked about is truly exaggerated.
He’s not the only one.
Some of my best friends are liberals …
Perhaps I shouldn’t have spoken for my dear departed mum.
Well, you knew her so your guess as to her opinion is more valid than most.
Henry, do you ever stop stirring?
Yes. When I make a martini, it’s shaken not stirred.