Well, the election is over.
Scotland’s push for independence has been quashed.
My grandparents, both of whom were born and raised in Scotland but immigrated to this country in the 1930′s, are turning in their graves right about now. They both moved here to escape the high taxation/lack of representation in Scotland which was present at that time. To start a new life in the U.S. and have a chance to keep some of their hard earned money and perhaps have a small voice in just where that hard earned money was going.
My grandfather started working in the shipyards, and then sent for his mother and my grandmother as soon as he had enough money to do so. My mother remembers my grandfather’s dislike for all things British, which many Scots today can identify with. He became a skilled tool and die maker, and raised four children in a row house in Philadelphia, and died at least owning his own home. He became an American citizen back when taking that pledge meant something.
This bid for independence was not a William Wallace inspired push for liberty and freedom. No Scottish revolution this one.
More a political move it seemed similar to what occurs in this country when the natives get restless. And want a true change from the status quo which keeps getting more and more tyranical which each and every passing year.
The same propaganda and lies were told by those who stood to lose their positions of power as occurs in this country quite regularly. Britain was not about to lose another piece of prime property. Or their castles and fishing holes and hunting grounds.
To have done so would have meant removing all land and holdings by those titled Brits and royalty and return Scotland once again as a self ruled or governed nation. I mean, who would get Balmoral?
The Queen was publicly silent, but I would bet Euros to haggis she was very involved behind the scenes, and Mr. Cameron’s impassioned pleas seemed to have also scared some of those 16 year olds who were allowed to vote. Who pay few taxes, and hold little property.
No, this was no true bid for independence, but a move intended to silence the more and more vocal Scots who face ever dwindling power in Parliament, and whose Euros and Pounds Sterling hardly pay for a good shot of Scottish whiskey.
The Scots are a brave and rugged people, and I really did expect more. For grandma and grandpa’s sake, and their grandnieces and nephews, and my Scots-American pride.