[Rosemary]

George Osborne refused to rule out Scotland being barred from retaining the pound if it split from the rest of the UK after the autumn 2014 referendum

Another threat?

And another one?

The Chancellor told ITV News that Scotland would also have to take on its share, estimated at £100 billion, of the national debt and questioned its ability to pay towards the UK's £187bn current exposure to the bailed-out Royal Bank of Scotland after its near-collapse in 2008. The First Minister had earlier said that he would not be prepared to share the UK's exposure to its toxic assets.

Oh dear, this is just the sort of scare tactics that they have been reduced to. If it wasn't lowering the tone of the debate, I'd say George was an ar*e but it would, so I won't.

[Rosemary]

surely if there was no form of emnity between the 'english' and the 'scots' there'd be no call for independence?

As I have said before, the desire for independence does not arise from any enmity towards England. It is a desire for equality.

Someone described it to me as being like a family - for many years, the Scots, like a child, have been told we are too small, too poor, too stupid to manage our own affairs. That we cannot manage without the Westminster parent to look after us. At some point the child will want to strike out on its own, hopefully learning from its parent but from other influences as well. This doesn't mean the child hates the parent - it's simply that it has realised that it needs to determine its own path in the world and hopefully, both parent and child will maintain a long and happy relationship that is mutually satisfying to both parties.

[deepinthewoods]

thats helpful and a nice way of putting it, ta.

so its sort of like, westminsters done a good job of bringing you up, but now youve got the infrastructure, the educational system, the nhs, probably the most beautiful part of the island and most of its oil and gas resources, you want out?

[Rosemary]

Most people I meet are lovely BUT.....there has been times...eg, when a snowball hit me and a man walked by saying "oh they are English" NOT nice and loads more, eg, going to a big company for an interview..I worked for the same company and wanted to re locate...the staff were there to answer questions, I asked and a high up worker turned his back on me and said " I don't do English" just because it don't happen to you is no indication it is not happening, ask other people!!!!!!!! I worked and went to uni to study Youth and community and a major part of that course was anti oppressive practice.....I know how it affects peoples confidence......Judge when you live in peoples shoes not by your own. I used to see first hand racisum in Leicester and I hated it,  I am in NO way anti Scotland going independant at all....just being practical!!

It is NOT about people asking where you from, some are missing the point here...remember I am used to working with people from different cultures...Do not shoot me down for my experiance. I only want to  Know the pros and cons as in some peoples eyes I am uneducated!!

Steady, Sandy. Any form of racism or bigotry is not acceptable in Scotland (or anywhere else for that matter) and I agree that it's the individual's perceptions that are important but as jaykay said on another thread, we can choose how we react to things that happen to us.

I think there are some people - the offensorati - who just look for things to be offended by. And, for the avoidance of doubt, that's a general observation not one aimed at you.

[Rosemary]

thats helpful and a nice way of putting it, ta.

so its sort of like, westminsters done a good job of bringing you up, but now youve got the infrastructure, the educational system, the nhs, probably the most beautiful part of the island and most of its oil and gas resources, you want out?

I would no more comment on Westminster's parenting skills than I would on yours 

[deepinthewoods]

no, cos that would be pushing it.

[Sandy]

Hang on, that did  happen and does happen so I am not suppose to say? I love Scotland and the people, you get racist people everywhere and its taught me a lesson as I worked as a "Black worker" in Leicester as they had not got any suitable people to take on the post at the time!!!! I miss read the application form but still got the job....I think some one is miss reading my, not that educated post...I keep saying I just want to know pros and cons, I am not against anything just want to know what may happen..in my experience politictions do not always tell the truth    Why say "steady to me? I am not saying anything offenceive? I am very confused now and wish I had not asked!! Imust add I am deeply offended as I am the last person to be racist or anti any thing, my motto is live and let live and I have too much on my plate to read a lot of stuff so asked on here and that was a big mistake I think!!

[happygolucky]

O dear this is the case as allways politics great stuff?? But these politicians dont give a shite about anyone, expect the few. All they want is to keep in power so as to maintain there so called status, and play on the public and gain groups, are you in my gang? and in my view this is not just for Britain but all politicans around are little world. Anyhow enjoy  your night and make the most of lighter nights coming are way.

[Sandy]

I agree, off now ...still none the wiser..

[RUSTYME]

Well i blame Mel Gibson , they should hang him (oh yeah , they did !) Grommit was a bit wiser , kept his mouth shut !

[doganjo]

I do to, Russ (Wasn't he English  )

[Bangbang]

After listening to radio scotland this week I am lead to believe that Scotland will adopt the Euro as its prefered currency.  We all know how the Scottish Parlement feel about the U.K government and hate its interferance in scottish policy, this leads me to quiry its strength and standing should it come into any conflict with the euro - nations. Its a big playground with Germany and France dictating the playground rules!

I think if Scotland leaves the U.K then I think it should stay further away from the E.U.

Jumping into bed with someone else after a break up can leave a nasty rash, or worse!

[robert waddell]

mel gibbson is an austrailian
funny how it is the southerners that are all concerened if scotland goes it alone 

[RUSTYME]

Mel Gibbson was born in the usa . I think his nan was an ausie ? His family moved to aus so that he and his brother ? ,  could avoid call up and thus getting sent to Vietnam.
 Yes Annie , if you stick your head above the parapet , it gets shot off, so to speak .
My head is like a sieve having been shot so many times ! , i must learn to duck ! lol .

[doganjo]

Yes Annie , if you stick your head above the parapet , it gets shot off, so to speak .
My head is like a sieve having been shot so many times ! , i must learn to duck ! lol .

That's the problem, Russ, never been one for ducking the issue! Right is right, wrong is wrong - no grey in my life