Reasons for Scottish independence go beyond just simple economics. Scottish people have different ambitions and goals than English people. There are major cultural differences. The union was a bizarre event to begin with. It was primarily fueled by colonial era loots which corrupted Scottish elites in abandoning their national identity. The money was making Scottish elites and English put their differences aside. Now, the money is tight and everyone has to fend for himself. So at this stage, Scottish believe that it is in their best interest to go independent so that Scottish resources can be channeled to further Scottish interests.
This is a good opportunity for Scots to chart our their own destiny. English have always been racist towards them. I do not see any reason why Scots should put with this.
As far as NATO and EU is concerned, I do not see why Scotland cannot join either or both of them if they see such an act beneficial to their aspirations.
Vikrant, you are a fool. I've read the whole amusing historical nonsense you've been posting in response to Phoenall. How can you be so utterly clueless about Anglo/Scottish/British history when you have something like wikipedia at your fingertips, (yet strangely you managed to actually get some facts right regarding Cornwallis!).
Did you actually read any of Phoenalls posts? How many times do you have to be told about DARIEN??? FWIW, in 1707, England was NOT dirt poor. It made stacks of money from trade. Yes, TRADE. That was the whole point of the British Empire at that stage. It was a trading Empire. In 1707 it was only 300,000 souls in the American colonies, a few islands in the Carribean and a few scattered trading posts in west africa and the indian ocean. But the income from the trade was considerable. Scotland on the other hand WAS broke as pointed out by Phoenall.
Also, the Bank of England had been created in 1694, which is why the Scots can not say 'it is our pound too' - it predates the Union. Heck, they even print their own bank notes (ironically mostly by the Scottish banks bailed out mainly by English tax payers).
Your obsession with British activities in India coupled with your user name leads me to conclude you hail from there (do you have an axe to grind with the English for that reason?). Your lack of knowldge regarding Brit activities in Indiais hence rather odd too. India provided tea, textiles and spices at the time, not Gold. That came from places in Africa like the Gold Coast(!). Also the main troops used by the British in India were Indians themselves, not Scots. The Scots were too busy building the Empire - yes they were far more involved in that enterprise than the English, although I would admit, not always voluntarily.
I could go on about history, but thats enough for now.
Since you live in the US I can only assume you have never been to Scotland, because if you had you would know that your statements above about Scots having a different culture to the English is b******t. Half the Scots live in England and plenty of English live in Scotland (you will particularly notice this in the Higlands). Kind of makes the referendum silly doesn't it, cos you can only vote if you live in Scotland.
Also what planet are you on saying the English are racist towards Scots? The only place you will find any white on white racism (if the concept even makes sense) in the UK is in Northern Ireland and at football/soccer matches. Oh, and you might get your car smashed up if you leave it parked in somewhere like Govan if you have a Union Jack planted on it.
Btw. if the Scots vote no on thursday , we will only be in the same situation in another 20 years, so I (English) say lets be done with it and let them vote yes, but please Scots, keep your banks and take their debts with you.
