Scotland, The Teacher!

Scotland, The Teacher!

A random comment on the outcome of one of the greatest political debates I have ever seen and the impending lasting legacy of true national engagement. 

One good thing about all this is that I now know what the West Lothian Question is. No, I wouldn't want anyone else telling England what to do, either. 

And I know that a Saltire is not the rage that descends on you if you've had too much sodium. I know that clouds can be made to look like anything you damn well like. And I know that we, as a unified Nation of separate identities, have been taught a very important lesson: Apathy in politics is at least as dangerous as extremism. Mobilising a Nation from political lethargy and grumbling to driving extensive and exciting debate and getting people into polling stations to vote not only with hearts but with heads, about issues that genuinely affect us all. Now that's a lesson we should all learn. And that's why, regardless of the outcome, the referendum on Scottish independence has been so incredibly important to politics in the United Kingdom. 

This will, I genuinely believe, lead to much more engagement by many more people throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the issues that affect them not just locally but nationally and internationally. The British Government now knows very clearly that the "Nation" will not sit still and let it happen. Banks and other financial institutions, major corporations (international and home grown) should be very aware that their monopoly as decision makers is no longer as safe as it has always been. 

We can make change happen. It won't be good for everyone. But at the moment we have a situation where it's bloody good for very few, really bad for the majority and practically impossible for the rest. Now, I don't think that's really a way to continue. It's also not democratic!

I do believe that there's more good to come out of this. Much more. And it's not just a case of devolution or self-government. It's not just a case of how much will I get? How safe is my house? 

Now we look further because we have to. Now we see the biggest issue of all. Can you look at your government, wherever you are, and genuinely say with your hand on your heart that you believe that what is being done in your name (whether you agree with it or not) is actually for the benefit of the majority? No? Neither can I. 

Not In My Name could well be a rallying cry! This could be the start of a new age of political engagement. It will be uncomfortable to begin with; there will be no status quo. (Sorry, Rossi et al!) 

We have such a magnificent opportunity as members of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to genuinely change the face of politics in our great countries and rise to the challenge of a new era in a way I never thought would be possible in my lifetime. 

Thank you Scotland, for teaching me the benefit of proper mobilisation and engagement again; for reaffirming my belief that politics is individual, local, national, international; for getting me interested again. 

And I know that I am not alone. 

Good luck UK. It's going to be a heck of a ride!