We are all Scots today!

Precisely 300 years after the May 1st, 1707 Acts of Union, an election in Scotland on May 3rd is about to bring an Independentist party to power. The Scottish Nationalist Party represents Scots’ premier choice for the years ahead; as a matter of fact, the emerging, most venerable and most noble, Republic of Scotland reflects the best hopes of almost 5.5 million Scots, and at the same time the wishes of millions of oppressed Europeans, whose national and cultural identity has been strangled behind the irresponsible and undemocratic borders that Might – and not Right – helped impose.

The Scottish Nationalist Party emerged over the past decades as the leading force in the transformation of the Scottish society into a modern, self-confident Nation that duly and proudly deserves Independence.

As authentic descendants of Drest, son of Erp, the legendary King of the Picts who ruled 100 years and fought 100 battles at the times of the Roman emperor Theodosius, as genuine successors to Cináed mac Ailpín, the first King of the Scots who ruled 16 years in the middle of the 9th century (843 – 858), as original offcprings of the tragic Maria Stuart (1542 - 1567) and Anna, the last monarch of the House of Stuart (1665 – 1714), today’s Scots have thoughtfully debated on the Independence of their Fatherland, and extensively pondered on the ensuing benefits.

The SNP participates in the elections, identifying Independence as its primary target and milestone for Scotland’s future. As they put it: The primary aim of the SNP is to take Scotland forward to independence.

As many oppressed people throughout Europe and other continents strive for Independence, we believe it is extremely necessary and absolutely useful for them to closely study the way, simple and yet elaborate, accurate and up-to-the-point, the Scots formulate and stipulate their inalienable right to Independence:
"Independence means the Scottish Parliament having full control over Scottish affairs, and the right to decide when to share power with others. Independence would give Scotland the same rights and the same responsibilities as other nations. It would give us a voice on the world stage and a say in international bodies like the UN and EU. With an SNP government, independence would also bring greater freedom for individuals, families and communities within a society built on common interests."

Further elaborating on the reasons for Scotland to be an independent country, the SNP provides solid arguments that may be necessary to numerous nations and ‘ethnic minorities’ all over the world: Normality, Integrity (Devolution is not enough), National Development (Scotland can flourish with independence), Economic Progress (Why our economy needs independence), Rational Exploitation of the Natural Resources (Making the most of our natural resources), and Participation in the World Affairs (Why Scotland needs a voice in the world). We re-publish also a text - key tool for the process (How will Scotland gain her independence?). Almost all of the arguments for Scotland's independence are also true in the case for Transnistria's independence.

The SNP wants Scotland to have what every other country takes for granted – the freedom to decide what kind of society we want to live in and how we want to interact with the world around us. In other words, normality. This is what Transnistria wants, too.

As individuals, we value our own independence. We accept that it is entirely natural to make our own decisions, to earn and spend our own money, and to take responsibility for our own lives. Why should we settle for anything less for our country?

As a nation, we accept the independence of other countries as normal. We do not think it strange that the people of Norway and Denmark run their own affairs. We would not expect the people of Ireland or Sweden to ask another nation to take decisions for them because they didn’t feel up to the job. Why should the people of Scotland be any different? Or the people of Transnistria, for that matter?

Most of us also want our communities to have more independence. We want to have a greater say in deciding how our public services should be funded and delivered, we want to participate in decisions which affect the environment around us and we want to contribute more to the communities we live in. That too is normal - but it won't happen unless we start by taking control of our country and taking decisions for ourselves.

Devolution is not enough. Devolution - or autonomy, which is what Moldova offers Transnistria - is not the same as independence. And it is not nearly enough to make a real, lasting difference.

The powers of the Scottish Parliament under devolution or autonomy are strictly limited and therefore there is a limit to what it can achieve. With devolution, the British government in London keeps control of crucial areas like the economy (including Scotland's oil), taxation, benefits, pensions, immigration and asylum, broadcasting, defence and international affairs. It also retains the right to legislate in all areas - devolved as well as reserved - and can over-ride the will of the Scottish Parliament without consent.

The Scottish Parliament has passed some important legislation in its first two sessions, including bills on free personal care for the elderly, land reform, homelessness and proportional representation for local government elections. However on key issues such as economic growth or pensions it remains powerless and on matters as basic as whether or not to send Scottish troops to war it has no voice.

Scotland can flourish with independence. Independence is not only normal; it is also desirable. Other small European countries are much more successful than Scotland in terms of both economic growth and living standards. Independence gives those nations the powers to shape their country for the better. Scotland could have this too.

Here are three nearby examples:

Off the Scottish east coast lies Norway. Norway became independent from Sweden just a hundred years ago. Today, it is the second most prosperous country in the world.

Off the west coast lies Ireland. It became independent from the United Kingdown less than eighty years ago. Today, it is the fourth most prosperous country in the world.

Off the north coast lies Iceland. This small country of just 300,000 people became independent from Denmark less than eighty years ago. Today, Iceland is the sixth most prosperous country in the world.

These newly independent countries represent an arc of prosperity - and Scotland has every bit as much potential as any of them. Scotland has abundant natural resources, an educated and skilled workforce and a globally recognised identity and reputation for quality and integrity.

With Independence, Scotland could join this arc of prosperity by pursuing the same successful economic policies, to give us a stronger economy, better public services and a fairer society.

There is no question that the Scottish economy is underperforming under devolution, precisely because the Scottish Parliament lacks the powers to tackle Scotland’s cycle of low economic growth and population decline.

Rather than accept this state of affairs, the pro-Scotland patriots want to implement an economic policy that moves the country forward. Independence would give the Scottish Parliament the powers to transform Scotland into a high growth economy and a prosperous society. With the right policies Scotland could be a much more competitive place to do business. This approach has worked in other countries – there is no reason why it should not work in Scotland too.

Scotland also needs a voice in the world. Without independence, Scotland can only look on while other nations gather to discuss and tackle global issues.

As part of the UK, Scotland has no direct role in shaping the decisions of the European Union, decisions that directly affect the people of Scotland and have a crucial impact on key industries like fishing and agriculture. To become part of the decision-making process in Europe, and gain the power to stand up for our vital national interests, Scotland needs to become a member state. To become a member state, Scotland has to become independent.

In the European Union, Scotland will be in good company: seven out of the ten new EU member states have populations similar to or smaller than Scotland. If Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania can have a seat at the top table of Europe, then why not Scotland?

Independence would also give Scotland a voice on the international stage: A voice that can be used to promote peace and reconciliation, and fairness.

The SNP will always uphold the rule of international law. An SNP government in an independent Scotland would never send Scottish soldiers into an illegal conflict, like the Iraq war. And, an SNP government would meet the UN recommended aid contributions level of 0.7 per cent of national income as well as supporting reform of international trade bodies like the World Trade Organisation to create a more level playing field between developed and less developed nations.

How will Scotland gain her independence? Scotland will become independent when the people of Scotland vote for it in a democratic referendum.

An SNP led Executive in the Scottish Parliament will hold a referendum on Independence in its first term of office. If a majority of those who vote in the referendum vote for independence, representatives of the Scottish Executive will then begin negotiations with Westminster to agree an Independence settlement. While negotiations are under way, a written constitution for an independent Scotland will be drafted, which will guarantee rights for Scotland’s citizens and set out how Scotland will be governed.

So, let Scotland lead the way. How could one summarize best the Scottish Plead for Independence? Small is beautiful, human, democratic, functional, and progressive. As the Scots go to elect their Parliament, the people of Transnistria, Kosovo, Abkhazia, Northern Cyprus and many others are keeping a close eye.

They hope, they know that the day is near when their language, their culture and their identity will prevail over the absolutely artificial, criminal, ‘national’ frames that have been imposed in a monstrous and dictatorial way at the most inhuman moment of the World History: that of the formation (late 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries) of 'national states.'
Long Live Independent Scotland!

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis, a Greek citizen of Turkish origin, is an Orientalist, Assyriologist, Egyptologist, Iranologist, Islamologist, Historian and Political Scientist. A prolific writer, Dr. Megalommatis is the author of 12 books and thousands of published articles. Currently residing in Egypt, he speaks, reads and writes 15 modern and ancient languages.

See also:
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