In a world of hyperbole, where the term "historic" is thrown about far too often about sandwiches and handjobs, yesterday stands out as one truly befitting the designation. Scotland's voice reverberated through the UK, and even the rest of the world, as it sought to decide its future. Freedom, or....a lesser kind of freedom?
And today it wakes to the collective hangover, both physical and political. The "Yes" camp fought their corner and gained some ground, but in the end Scotland's people chose to remain a part of the United Kingdom. Rest assured though, that this will not be the same United Kingdom that we woke up in yesterday. Progress has been made, and this "No" was not the end of the conversation. It was merely the beginning of a much larger one. There can be hope felt on both sides, even if those dreaming of independence may have to look a littler harder to find the positives today.
The important thing is to not get dragged down in the bitterness, and the recriminations.
"Voting "No" means you're not a true Scot."
"Anybody who voted "No" is a coward."
"A vote against independence is a vote against Scotland."
You're hurting. You're broken-hearted. I get it, I do, but shut the fuck up. Too much of the debate surrounding this referendum has been focused on personal attacks. Voting "Yes" or "No" was not the same as voting "Right" or "Wrong".This was one of those occasions where yes may not have been a positive and no not necessarily a negative.
I've spoken to English people living here in Edinburgh who have taken on the role of startled children during their parents divorce. If Scotland leaves the United Kingdom, buys a new sports car and starts sleeping with sexy, sexy Norway, it doesn't mean it loves you any less. It's not personal. Scotland and England just don't love each other like that anymore. They still care about you deeply. And Scotland will always be a part of your life. It's not your fault, and it's not a rejection of you.
If I may mix my relationship metaphors for just a moment, these countries are back together after a trial separation. They were on a break, and now they're giving it one last shot. England is sorry they didn't pay you enough attention, Scotland. They're sorry they didn't notice your new hair, or listen to you talk about your stressful day. They can change. The lead up to the reunion has been full of drunken late night voicemails, and "WHY WON'T YOU LOVE ME!?", and maybe they can. Maybe this time they'll stop getting drunk with Wales and actually bring you out for dinner like they always promise. The problem is, you know these problems will only be brushed under the rug (metaphor within a metaphor....boomtown!). Once you get back together in these kind of relationships, it is likely only a matter of time before the promises wear thin and old habits creep back in. Scotland is giving it another shot, and now it needs to work out whether it's doing it because it really does want this to work out or if it's just scared of being single. We've all been there. It's scary. And why is Wales passed out naked on the couch again!?
I'm not Scottish, but I am genuinely honoured that this country allowed me the opportunity to have a say in its future. Edinburgh is home these days. It's where I hang my hat....multiple hats. It's where I house my hat-rack. I voted yesterday, for the second time in my life. The first time since I was 18. The first time I've felt my vote mattered. And it's remarkable that so many people felt the same power last night. Scotland chose its own destiny through democratic means. That is a beautiful fact. When I look at how my own nation fought for its independence less than 100 years ago, it's quite a startling difference. Ireland still bears the scars. Quite literally, when you see the bullet holes in the GPO in Dublin. And that's something that Scotland should be incredibly proud of. It might not have led to independence today, but it will. Scotland's independence is inevitable, and I cannot foresee a long wait until the next time this issue is raised constructively. If nothing else, this has got the people talking, and feeling that they can speak to their friends, their family, and even strangers in the street about an important topic.
Just don't let this bluR the lines between loving one's country and inciting hatred. Whatever else, the fact remains that the majority of people in Scotland have voted to remain in the United Kingdom. That they did so is not necessarily down to cowardice, foolishness or disloyalty to Scotland. People had their reasons, and they will be as well or as poorly thought out as anything on the losing side of this particular referendum. The fact is, there were myriad reasons not to vote for an independent Scotland. Early indications suggest that the uncertainty surrounding the next national currency played a significant part in turning people away from the "Yes" vote. And that is easy to understand. Irn Bru may not have worked as a valid form of payment.
Furthermore, people got understandably swept up in a tide of emotion. That does not necessarily lead to objective thought. This was an issue close to people's hearts. It can be difficult to separate yourself from that. The feeling that new is better does not always ring true. An independent Scotland would have been much like a system reboot at Jurassic Park: Alex Salmond tells us to "hold onto your butts", and then *click* darkness. No power, save for a blinking light on a screen. It worked. A fresh start. Someone just needs to go to the maintenance shed to complete the job (no, I'm not sure where the maintenance shed is in this comparison). Nonetheless, the power might eventually come back to Scotland, but there's always the threat of those damn raptors. Salmond would likely be first to get eaten ("pity" that), but someone else could get the job done and get Scotland on the right path. Of course, England would need to be wary that when its spending all its time focused on Scotland in front of it, that Wales doesn't attack from the side. Clever girl.
Of course the analogy that spoke most to me about this debate, was a football based one. A man passionately in favour of independence told me that the whole process, for him, was a lot like watching Scotland try to qualify for the World Cup. The odds were against it, but they were going to give it their best shot. If they didn't qualify, he'd be gutted, but so long as they didn't embarrass themselves there were positives to be taken. And then they'd dust themselves off and try again.
Scotland will always be shit at football, but....
Remember, they can never take your freedom.
For the record, I voted "Yes".
For the record, I voted "Yes".
