Politics Round-up: Scotland decides!

The Scottish Referendum takes place a week today. This momentous vote could change things for all of us in Britain, whichever side of the border you live on, so it is something I have been watching with interest. As an English person my urge is to beg them to stay, but equally if I was living in Scotland I think I would be voting yes – what an opportunity to start over and demand more from your government, I may be forced to start campaigning for an independent Dorset!

It has been fascinating reading blog posts on the subject, far more enlightening than anything the press and politicians have to say. Here are a few that caught my eye:-

Dorky Mum has been watching with interest as an ex-pat without a vote, but is ‘inspired by the optimism and the hope and the positive visions that people are coming up with for my lovely wee country‘. Read her post to see why she now feels she would vote yes if she had the chance.

Blethering Boys writes on her personal reasons for saying yes – ‘But now the opportunity has come for us to have so much more, and damn, I am all for taking it with two hands.’

Ellen at In A Bun Dance is on the fence, and covers plenty of ground in her post on what she has learnt about the Scottish Independence Referendum, and is feeling the weight of the decision – ‘This is a big deal, what happens in less than a fortnight will have repercussions for generations. It’s like history, but, for once, the outcome is down to us. I wonder how many other people would like older wiser people (certainly not politicians) to turn up and tell us what to do.’

Making Clay has written plenty on the topic of the referendum. She is firmly in the yes camp, and I liked the passion in this post written to an undecided voter. ‘To vote Yes is to take matters into your own hands, to stand up and create a country that you recognise as chiming with the concerns of your heart as well as those of your pocket.’

A Burdz Eye View looks at the panic in the No campaign after the recent poll giving the Yes vote a narrow lead, feeling it is too late for new promises. Her post ends with the positivity and hope for the future found across the yes campaign – ‘We want this one opportunity to create a better life for everyone who lives here.  And most especially of all, we want the chance to create a better future for our children, our grandchildren and the generations yet to come.’

And lastly, if you want a hint of truth smothered in a bundle of sarcasm and giggles then I highly recommend this article by Charlie Brooker on the desperate acts of our motley Westminster crew in the face of a poll showing the ‘yes’s’ might just win… ‘George Osborne abruptly announced he would shortly unveil a range of new powers and benefits Scotland could look forward to in the event of a no vote. Increased powers of taxation. The ability to control the sea. Banknotes made of liquorice. Free stickers. If it votes no, Scotland will also receive the Angel of the North, the Eden Project, Stonehenge, the Cutty Sark, Alton Towers, a souvenir pen, a backrub and access to the new royal baby at weekends. ‘

By the way, in the interests of balance I tried to find some blog posts from our members in the ‘No’ camp. But I couldn’t find any, not via twitter and not even down the back of the sofa – if you have written one please add it to the linky below as I would love to read your reasons for voting to stay. The thing is, at the moment the yes voters have got me convinced. In my head I am ready to pack my bags, don a kilt and learn the bagpipes to be part of their brave new world if the outcome is a yes. But my heart is screaming ‘Don’t go Scotland, don’t leave us on our own with Cameron and the gang……please!’