A Facebook exchange.
Better Together-supporter called Andrew: If I may ask, why do you support independence?
Reply:
Hi Andrew,
Sorry about not replying sooner, I’ve not checked this folder in weeks. And you’re very welcome to ask.
My primary support for independence is that putting Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands offers the means to truly change the country.
I also have an axe to grind on the British State – that locus of institutions and mentality that systematically entrenches inequality, conspires in international wars, defers to the class system and (under the shroud of terrorism) hammers peaceful dissent. I have yet to find a positive, socially-just case for the union that holds water and simultaneously stands side-by-side with the British state.
A vote for independence will wound the British state – making it more likely that further democratic reform will occur in rUK. It will also, by definition, remove Westminster authority over Scotland, bring a better parliamentary democracy home. I also believe that over time, this better democracy will transform the nation and her people.
The white paper (combined with the Green Yes, and the Scottish Socialist Party’s written arguments) is a decent step forward, based on a more inclusive, socially responsible philosophy than the horrific neo-liberal meathook dogma peddled by the Tories and remains (for fear of losing swing support in rUK) largely unchallenged, except at the fringes by the Labour opposition.
I used to be a No, but moved to Yes after having my early doubts quelled by reasoned argument. Since then, I’ve been inspired by the Common Weal and RIC movements, and been given interesting mythbusting counterpoints by Business for Scotland. Now, I campaign with people from many parties and none in local Yes Scotland work.
Ultimately, independence is being responsible for our own future; by democratically electing the people we trust to make it so. We can be better. And I think a vote for independence is a vote for that promise and potential that we can and must do better. And (to mix my gambling metaphors) I’d rather roll the dice for the future and trust in the wisdom of the people of Scotland, than accept the busted flush in the crooked game of the British state’s flavour of democracy that we’ve presently got.
All the best, Andrew!
Scott
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