 |
| Scotland wants independence |
Title:
The Scottish Play
Subject:
Four problems for Scotland's independence
Web
Address: http://www.economist.com/node/21552572
Date:
14 April 2012
Summary:
Scotland wants to become independent,
and both sides have used the economy as a reason to either stay or
go. A precise answer is impossible, but a look at the statistics
reveals four problems. First problem is the oil. It will run out
someday and that day may not be as far away as many hope. As soon as
that happens a major vacuum will be created. The second question is whether renewable energy could replace that vacuum. Then there is the
third problem, their banks were saved by the British government and
many of their assets do not belong to Scotland. The final problem is
perhaps the biggest: their currency. Joining the Euro is no longer an
option and with a smaller economy they are far more vulnerable to
shocks in the world's economy.
Opinion:
Honestly, I find it very hard to form a
balanced opinion on this subject: I do not know all the intricacies
of economy. Also, I have no idea if what they are saying is true or
not. The only thing I do know is that we are in a global crisis right
now and doing something risky as this appears to be does not sound
like a good idea. That being said, this newspaper article did not
refer to any bonuses that would be gained if Scotland was to become
independent, neither did it mention any reasons that the country
would want to do so. That to me makes it look like either I missed a
big part, or that the one who wrote this really does not want
Scotland to become independent.
This is a difficult subject indeed. All through history there have been areas that wanted their own independence. There will always be reasons not to do so. Those reasons are mostly economical. However, the wish for independence is not really a rational one. It is a feeling one has. And who am I to deny someone the right to form their own country?
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI saw an item on the BBC news about this a few months ago. Then Scotland's demands sounded like empty threats just to create controversy. Scotland was pictured by the use of a few very stereotypical things (haggis, kilts, bafpipes and bloated greasy men). We'll just have to see I guess.
BeantwoordenVerwijderen