Independence?

I have watched the debate on the Scottish Independence vote with a growing sense of dismay.

Bakc in 1979, I would have crawled over broken glass to have voted for an Independent Scotland as we had a vibrant economy, high employment and the potential for growth. But now, we have an economy moving with all the speed of an arthritic tortoise, employment at such a nadir that you have 300 people applying for a part-time post and the potential for even more shrinkage.

Let's address some of the issues.

Scotland will have more jobs if we are independent. More jobs? Really? And where are these jobs coming from? I have lost count of how many companies have declared their intent to move out of Soctland if there is a majority for the Yes campaign. And this is against a background of the UK losing jobs quicker than a dealer at Barings Bank could lose money. Someone, somewhere is delusional and I don't think it is I.

Scotland will retain the pound. Again, a poorly thought out sound-bite that played into the hands of the Better Together campaign. So we keep the pound, but not the debts? That'll be a first in international politics. Every country ever formed as an independant state has ended up carrying the bill for what went before them. Each and every time, a SNP supporter tries to set out a sound economic position, all it shows is a lack of forethought on the part of the No campaign.

We will implement all forms of social care that we have not yet implemented due to the increase of revenue. Now on this, opinion is divided. Many additional forms of social care can be added in the short term (5-10 years), but after that, the oil revenues dry up and there will be huge holes in the Scottish Budget and where will the extra money come from?

Scotland will take its' place among fellow EU members. Hold on! Scotland will be a brand new economic, social and political entity. And as such, Scotland has no guarantee of being allowed to join the EU. There is no doubt in my mind that an independant Scotland would eventually join the EU, but that is at least 5 years down the line, if not longer. And that also rips apart the idea that if we left the pound, we would immediately join the Euro.

Now the one that worries me the most is the one that has been addressed the least. How will this affect Scotland in the long-term? I have seen little that considers Scotland or the UK in 100 years or 200 years hence. Will my great-grandchildren cheer or curse me if I vote for an Independant Scotland? All the rhetoric has looked at the next two parliamentary terms (5 to 10 years) but little has even considered anything beyond that time.

This is a society changing vote. Whatever you choose, make sure you vote.