Today is a momentous day in the history of the British Isles. The vote today could have profound effects on the world and undermine the whole EU project, as every dissident group follows the example of the Scots and demands independence. It could cause disruption in the money markets and effect world trade and confidence. We are told not to worry – Scotland, if the vote goes “yes” will be a member of the EU and NATO because of its strategic geographical position. They have oil, after oil.

But the nationalists have thought no further than their hearts. They will have to have their own currency and central bank (a given). They already have a big deficit, and when they boost social spending, there could be a run on the new currency. The English will not be there to bail them out yet again. London is already overwhelmed with people from foreign lands – it might shortly have a big influx of Scots, individuals and companies, unable to afford the prices but anxious to go somewhere where the taxes are reasonable and where there are jobs.

Meanwhile, those of us with Scottish connections and ancestry (but not allowed to vote) will feel as if our left arm has been cut off. I need to find a black arm band if the vote goes “Yes” – my own bit of heart over mind.

Counter-argument:
This furore can be interpreted as being about the future of right-wing economics, austerity and the rule of the corporations. The Scots are leading the charge against the reduction of benefits, the privatisation of everything in sight, especially the National Health Service, and the privileges of the rich who rule us. The Cameron government has had a tin ear when it comes to economic policy: the stupid bedroom tax and the attack on welfare for the poor – just two examples. There is a possibility that this rebellion could be replicated in the EU, with some of its powers returned to individual member countries, more democracy and power be given back to people. If then Americans started paying attention to their loss of democracy as well, the world would start to be a better place and the Scots might have done us all a favor. A hope on the dark, but who knows?