These Hoots Are Made For Walking

Today is Scottish referendum day here in the (still currently) UK.  I've been amazed at the violent opinions some people hold on the matter of the union.  Northern Irish protestants have a vested, historical interest in its continuing, and that I can fully understand.  What I can't get my nut around is the English being exercised by this vote.

There are some in England who insist that the vote should have been extended to all Britons, and that the Scots should have been held to abide by the wish of the majority.  This, patently, makes no sense.  It's akin to one's spouse saying "It's not working.  It's you, not me.  I'm off.", only for the other to cast his or her vote and declare a draw.  If one partner in a genuine coalition of equals decides it's over, then over it be.  Otherwise, one must acknowledge that there is an imbalance of power, and that makes a nonsense of the notion of the union.  And there, in a nutshell, is the Scots' problem with the current state of affairs.

The English used to conflate the (different) notions of Britain and England without thinking about it.  English football fans used to wave the union flag, not the cross of St George.  No Scot or Welshman would have done that.  Also, when Wales or Scotland take to the field in football or rugby, the national anthem is never played.  If it were, there would be a riot.  What's more, all English people know this.

The playing of the national anthem is so contentious among Celtic Britons that it cannot be played at a sporting event that doesn't involve England.  What kind of a nation is that?  A dysfunctional outdated one.

I hope that the Scots decide to leave the union, not because I hate the union - I don't.  But if they did, it might usher in a new age of Britain and Britishness, one in which all the nations of these islands could treat each other like equal and respected neighbours.

I also think it would help Northern Ireland.  The two traditions there cling to outside agencies, like drowning men to lifeboats - the nationalists look to Dublin, and the unionists to London.  NI will never fulfil its potential until all in inhabitants turn their attention inwards and look toward Belfast instead.

Come on, Scotland - daddy needs a winner.