by Peejaydee

Created on: May 26, 2008

Having long been an advocate of Scottish independence, I find it increasingly difficult to put the argument in favour of independence into words, without the emotion that takes hold whenever I speak of it. Is now the time for independence? I find the question somewhat redundant, for two reasons. Firstly, will there ever be a right time? Is waiting for 'the right time' just allowing procrastination and fear to get the better of us? What opportunities will we miss waiting for this mythical and non-existent 'right time'. Secondly, why would we not willingly choose to take control of our own country, destiny and direction at the first available point? Why have we not done so already?

This second point is what sparks my emotion. I am eternally disappointed at the attitude of my fellow Scots. I cannot understand why so many of my countrymen seem content to be directed by a government that has shown for decades that the interests of Scotland do not weigh heavy in their priorities. Being a minority of the overall UK population, this situation will not change... ever. Why do many Scots, feel that it is their place in the world to be incapable of forming and running their own country? Why can so many other small nations do so successfully but we Scots would fail? Such attitudes continue to dumbfound me. Look at Iceland, Denmark and many of the smaller European countries. Are they not successful? Is the quality of life so bad for their people? The quality of life in Scotland just now could hardly be described as better.

Taking control of your own life, decisions and direction, to me, seems the only practical solution. In this modern world where every country's economy is affected by global shifts in the credit markets, the price of oil and ever-increasing environmental and security considerations, I firmly believe it's vital that Scotland seize the opportunity of the Scottisg Government's planned 2010 referendum and vote for independence.

Only as a small, agile and proactive country, will Scotland be able to fully protect itself and its people from the effects of global economic and environmental influences. To stay within a flawed union that sees decisions taken to suit the majority of the UK population, predominantly in the south of England, will see Scotland continue to suffer in the long term.

It's now 2008 and there is a growing clamour in Scotland for independence. A clamour that is steadfastly ignored and denied by the unionist political parties. The people of Scotland

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>