Scottish independence: The people have spoken- clearly and in large numbers

As disappointed as I was with the result of Scotland’s independence plebiscite, it would be difficult to argue that Scots didn’t have their say. When you can boast an 85.4% turnout, it can safely be said the people have spoken. I had hoped to see Scotland declare its independence, but there were enough people convinced the status quo wasn’t such a bad place to be. As things currently stand, Scotland is a member of the United Kingdom, and while power officially rests in London (historically the seat of Scottish oppression), Scotland today enjoys a good deal of autonomy. It’s a case of sticking with the devil you know, I suppose…but who better to determine that than Scots? And they have. Decisively.

The turnout was truly impressive, particularly when you consider that what’s considered a “high” turnout for an American Presidential election is usually in the neighborhood of 50-60%. You could put up a sign at every polling place in America advertising “FREE BEER AND BLOWJOBS!!” and you’d still be unlikely to approach 85.4%. Off-year elections here might 30-40%, and local elections often don’t pull in more than 10-15%. It’s a pathetic display of commitment to democracy, but when you consider that America arguably is no longer a democracy, cynicism and apathy are easy to understand. That, and we have a disturbing national tendency to take our freedoms for granted, which allows them to be gradually, incrementally diminished under our noses.

Scotland’s independence vote hit a raw nerve for most Scots, and there were strong feelings and compelling arguments made on both sides of the issue. Even in defeat, Scotland’s in a good position. In a last-minute attempt to convince Scots to vote against independence, British Prime Minister David Cameron promised additional powers and autonomy to Scotland. Yesterday he said that he has every intention of ensuring those promises are kept…and you can bet the Scottish National Party will be holding his feet to the fire.

I was fervently supportive of Scotland’s independence (though I have no stake save for emotion in the outcome), but I understand the argument that the economically speaking, the United Kingdom is better together than split into separate polities. Scots with a historical grudge are unhappy and may well continue the struggle for independence. Thankfully that struggle will almost certainly be peaceful. For now and the foreseeable future, Scotland will maintain the status quo and enjoy an additional dollop of autonomy. That’s not an ideal solution for those Scots who wish to live under a Scottish flag and despise the Union Jack, but maintaining the status quo save having to wonder about the law of unintended consequences.

The VERY interesting question going forward is the impact Thursday’s vote will have on nascent independence movements through Europe. What lessons will Flemings, Walloons, Lombards, Catalans, and other nationalities take from the Scottish plebiscite? Will we eventually see Europe’s map broken down into ever smaller piececs? Or will minority nationalities decide that they’re better off with the devil they know?

It seems unlikely Thursday’s vote will be the last word on this subject. Stay tuned.