Independence Day

Independence Day

On this July 4^th, while celebrating American Independence, I cannot help but look forward to September 18^th; another bid for separation.  This time it’s Scotland leaving the UK.  Unfathomably, the issue has not yet captured mainstream interest within the US.  The Independence Referendum (Indyref) will be held exactly 700 years after the Battle of Bannockburn: the first war for Scottish Independence.  The Indyref is a complicated decision, but one that resonates across time- or should for us Americans. 

Why should we care?  First, in many ways we have a shared heritage.  Nine of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were Scots.  The document was, in fact, modeled after the Scottish Declaration of Independence: the Declaration of Arbroath.  A majority of the Governors of the original 13 States were of Scottish ancestry.  Scottish Americans were instrumental in gaining independence and the creation of a lasting democratic republic.  Today, 25 million Americans claim Scottish heritage.  The US is Scotland’s largest trading partner and its geostrategic position make it make it a desirable defensive ally.   

Risky business.  During a speech given to business leaders and party activists July 3, 2014, UK Prime Minister David Cameron urged a “silent majority” of Scots to stand up for a ‘no’ vote.  Cameron characterized this group as “…the silent majority who don’t want the risks of going it alone…” 

But, the Tory leader didn’t say risky for whom.

In a nation of 5.2 million people, Scotland is estimated to hold $2,500 billion in oil and gas reserves- to say nothing of $7.3 billion from whisky exports in 2013 alone.

Self determination.  If independence happens, there will be many things to work out.  Our American Declaration of Independence was signed by members of the Continental Congress in 1776, but wasn’t put in force until 1788.  Even then, things got off to a rocky start when federal powers of taxation were challenged by protest in 1791.  There may have been a commonality in what the ex-colonists didn’t want, but it took decades to interpret and delineate federal powers and finally to develop into a cohesive national identity.  Whatever the outcome, the decision of whether to continue or end a political union is in the hands of the Scottish voters.    

And, I cannot help but wonder, will there be a Scottish sky filled with fireworks on September 18^th?