It's super late considering I have a class tomorrow morning, but I figured it was important to share my two cents (excuse me, "two pence") worth on the Scottish Independence Referendum. Obviously, I am not eligible to vote, but I felt that it was important to form my own opinion within my first week and a half here before tomorrow's decision is announced. I spent a lot of time talking to different people here, some students and many citizens who I've met on the streets at campaign events. The number one thing they have in common despite their different views? Their love for this country. It's so obvious that every person who is hardcore campaigning or simply sharing their views loves Scotland with all their heart.
Based on the recent newscasts, Scotland was split almost 50/50 before today's voting began. I believe the last numbers were 48 for Yes and 52 for No. I'm in the middle. I'm not a citizen and I haven't been here nearly long enough to understand everything that's at stake with either a yes or no vote. I don't fully understand this culture yet and it would be wrong to say that a week is sufficient time to form a solid opinion.
Main argument for the "No, thanks"/"Better Together" side: Scotland can't survive on their own as an independent country. The economy wouldn't be strong enough. People, students especially, want to have all the resources and opportunities that being a part of the UK comes with.
Main argument for the "Yes" side: Obviously, these supporters feel Scotland would be fine on their own. A man who I spoke to at a "Yes" campaign on Princes Street said he believes they have a strong food and drink export and renewable resources which will stay with them forever. He also believes they have the same access to oil and gas resources per head as the rest of the UK. He also said Scotland wants the opportunity to be able to change economic, employment and fiscal policy. I'm not going to lie, I didn't fully understand a lot of what he was talking about since understanding the economy is not my forte. But he was passionate and he was willing to talk to me with full awareness that I was unable to vote and speaking to me would not change any outcome, no matter how small. That was the best part about listening to him.
So, where do I stand? I don't! My opinion is that whatever happens, this is a turning point in history. I think people of both views have enough passion to better this country no matter the outcome. I think a "no" vote would be very safe and probably wouldn't have too many negative outcomes in the long run. I think a "yes" vote would be extremely exciting and it would be interesting to see how Scotland fares on its own. Both sides have extremely valid arguments. Half and half. That's my answer. I don't feel qualified to state a formal opinion but I can't wait for the outcome tomorrow! Sorry if this is just a ton of rambling! It's pretty late but I wanted to post this before the final outcome first thing in the morning! See you all on the flip side!
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