Independence Day not far off
for Scottish bravehearts
There are few more cherished American ideals than independence.
With Sunday's celebration of Tartan Day, established as April 6
by a US Senate resolution in 1998 to commemorate one of the inspirations
for the Declaration of Independence - Scotland's Declaration of Arbroath -
it is as good a time as any to tell the uniquely Scottish story of independence.
In 1320, Scots penned the Declaration of Arbroath. In lines that would
echo through the ages, they wrote: "It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself."
Many are familiar with that part of the story - of the patriot
William Wallace and the Scots who stood up for independence.
What is understandably less familiar is that in 1707 a group of
Scottish noblemen sold Scotland's independence and joined with
England to become the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
It wasn't a popular move. In fact, Daniel Defoe wrote that
"for every Scot in favour, 99 is against". So it is not surprising
that some people have been working ever since to change it.
More interesting than the past, though, is the national conversation
going on in Scotland now. What is so special about it is that the world
has an example of a completely democratic process in which the
people are considering their future, and in which their voice will
be the final word.
In 1997, Scots spoke loudly when they voted to reinstate their
Parliament. When the Scottish National Party president, Winifred Ewing,
was able to say: "The Scots Parliament, adjourned on 25th March 1707,
is hereby reconvened", she touched hearts across the country.
The Scottish Parliament has authority for health, education, courts
and the environment. The British Parliament retains control over
most taxes and foreign affairs.
The question now is, what next? The present Scottish Government
is the first in modern times that wants to see Scotland reclaim its
independence.
The best part of this debate is that it is based on ideas, not ethnicity.
Conversations about the best future for the country are happening
in the Scottish Parliament and in homes and workplaces across the country.
The Scottish Government wants Scotland and England to become
independent and equal nations, with the Queen and her successors
continuing as the common head of state of both - similar to what
happened in Canada and Australia in the 20th century.
In other words, we would move towards becoming united kingdoms,
rather than the United Kingdom.
Debating their constitutional future does not stop Scots from
contributing to today's important international issues.
Last week, the Scottish Government, with the support of the
National Geographic Society, announced the Saltire Prize, a
$21 million award for innovation in renewable energy, as a
challenge to the world's scientists.
The message that Scotland is open for business came across
clearly last week as Scotland dropped its business taxes to be
even more internationally competitive.
My whole adult life I have waited and worked for the day that
Scots are able to decide democratically if they wish to rejoin the
community of nations as an independent and equal member.
A recent poll showed that two-thirds of Scots would welcome
that opportunity under certain circumstances.
I believe that day - Scotland's independence day - is closer than ever.
Sean Connery was knighted by the Queen in 2000 and
has appeared in more than 60 films. This article first
appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
I wish for further Independence than this for Australia.
I wish for a true Republic. It has been mentioned by our new
PM whilst he was in England, so there is hope rising once again.
2 comments:
May your independence come, and very soon.
All true.
And I as you might expect, am a fervent nationalist!
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