Scottish independence vote fails
Handicapping the Scottish independence referendum was tricky, but the analysts who thought Scotland would vote for independence had some persuasive arguments. The independence movement was better-organized and more exciting; it did a better job of using both traditional and new media; the political leader of the movement, Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, was charismatic and capable; young voters were fired up about casting a historic independence vote; the Scots were tired of living under ruling coalitions in London they didn't vote for; the Scots were swinging left, while the rest of the UK was having a few second thoughts about cradle-to-grave socialism; the referendum was set up so that Scots living abroad, who tended to favor remaining in the United Kingdom, couldn't vote. Even the wording of the referendum was said to make independence sound like the rightful due of the Scottish people, which could influence fence-sitters to vote yes.
But in the end, three centuries of union were preserved, and it wasn't even close. Turnout was huge, and the final tally came in 55 percent against independence, 45 percent in favor. The "Yes" vote did enjoy some regional successes, however, notably including Glasgow, which voted by 53 percent in favor of independence.
Conventional wisdom now swings smoothly to the conclusion that the Scottish independence referendum was never all that serious to begin with – it was always meant to be a shakedown, an effort to rattle cages in London and squeeze out political and financial concessions for Scotland. In that, it seems to have been successful, although it remains to be seen just what the vague promises made to Scots by England during the campaign will amount to in practice...
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— AndyBhoy (@Dempsey1888) September 19, 2014
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