Not Scot-Free

Scotland has been in the news lately. There was an election yesterday, and voters had a chance to vote "yes" to independence from Great Britain... after 307 years of being 'second banana' to them.

As an American, this whole situation surprised me in more ways than one:

1. We understand wanting to be independent from Great Britain. Why was there even debate?
2. 307 YEARS? It took us, um, a bit less than that.
3. Hey-wait-a-minute. They got to cast a ballot? The Yanks had to freeze their feet off in a revolutionary war, and Scotland only had to make a mark on a piece of paper?

I put my amazement aside and skimmed through a few articles. The tone of the rhetoric sounded exactly like a long-married couple contemplating divorce!

Scot - "I'm so tired of everything being you, you, you! When was the last time I got my say in government?"

Brit - "You didn't make it clear how upset you were. I thought you were just whining to be whining. Like your damn bagpipes."

Scot - "Asking for decentralized power and fewer regional inequities Is NOT whining, you pompous arse."

Brit - "If you divorce me, that's it for you. You can't use my money anymore."

Scot - "And when I leave I'm taking custody of the oil. No more bailouts for your poker buddies."

Brit - "I'd take the banks and all of our friends. No one will help you. Look, just vote no. I promise you'll get more representation. Pleeeeze give it another go."

Scot - "Weeeelll, ok, but only because my grandparents still like you. And I'm keeping the divorce lawyer on speed-dial."

(That evening at the poker game)

Brit - "So I had to promise her greater powers and autonomy."

Poker buddies - "Fool! Next thing you know she'll want to be dealt into the game."

I'm a bit disappointed that Scotland didn't pull it off. I was looking forward to their new currency. Would it be plaid? And whose face would be on it? Oh sure, David Tennant would have to be on the 10, but which denomination would feature Karen Gillan?