''Scotland has long
been a nation. We shall soon find out whether its citizens now wish that
nation to become a state. I hope they do. It will not only open up new
opportunities for their own country but will break up the atrophied,
decaying British state and reduce its efficacy as a US vassal. Hence the
appeals from Obama and Hillary Clinton to vote ‘No’, a sentiment Blair
fully shares but dare not admit to, fearing that his intervention might
tip the balance in the opposite direction. There is no issue of
principle here, just imperial interests. The US accelerated the break-up
of the old Soviet state, first the Baltic republics, then Ukraine and
Central Asia. This was followed by the destruction of Yugoslavia. If
Latvia and Slovenia, why not Scotland? After all, the SNP has
(regrettably) decided to stay in Nato.
It was intellectually exhilarating during two trips to Scotland this
summer to witness and participate in the serious debates taking place in
meeting halls, kirks, streets, pubs and homes. What a contrast to
dreary old England where all three parties and every single media outlet
are against Scottish independence. The ‘No’ campaign lacks both sense
and subtlety, being based exclusively on fear. But it is the forces of
pessimistic conservatism in Scotland that appear shallow and parochial.
The SNP, and even more the Radical Independence Campaign, look at a
detached Scotland through international spectacles. Their gaze is fixed
on the Norwegian model and beyond..''
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