Glasgow socialist blogger, Murdo Ritchie, comments further on the Independence Referendum.<\/p>\n
As the Independence Referendum moves on the issues get clearer and clearer. The main supporters of the \u201cYes\u201d vote are attempting to assume all sorts of international treaty obligations and conditions that make the resultant independent Scotland seem more and more similar to life as it is already lived in Britain. On the other, side the \u201cNo\u201d vote\u2019s supporters are offering more new powers to the Scottish Parliament so that it remains in the Parliamentary Union with the rest of the United Kingdom. Both versions of the modified status quo appear to be converging.<\/p>\n
It is hardly surprising that some people see the independence on offer from the trinity of Alex Salmond, the Scottish Government and the SNP as more and more of a sham.<\/p>\n
At present, the level of debate is still along the lines of independence: for or against? But more are asking the important question, what sort of national independence? It is the opening of sufficient political space for this question to be asked that makes the process probably more important than the eventual electoral result.<\/p>\n
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Membership of the European Union will set in concrete many economic policies, forcing the postponement of many desired social aims. Like now, economic competition policy will mean that many industries and concerns cannot by brought under public ownership and any privatisation of many concerns will be made obligatory. Undoubtedly, some countries place these policies on a perpetual back burner promising to carry out the required divestment at a later date, but as economic crisis occur, the wealthy capitalist class will buy even more of society\u2019s productive assets.<\/p>\n
The continuation of the monarchy will keep a visible symbol of eternal class rule permanently on display to discourage even the thought of change occurring. But the very real, though often invisible, Crown Powers that lurk in the darkness are always waiting to undermine any reforms that overstep the boundaries of capitalist rule through the Monarch-in-Parliament. As for NATO membership, a place close to the main carrier of the nuclear umbrella now means that imperialism\u2019s ready-made list of international friends and enemies remains unaltered.<\/p>\n
Independence increasingly means dependence on staying the same.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have soaring unemployment and widespread poverty in Scotland because we are not in charge of our own affairs\u201d claims Campbell Martin, former SNP MSP and leading voice for the Scottish Socialist Party. Adding, \u201cwe need the powers to radically transform Scottish society and that will only come with independence.\u201d[1]<\/sup><\/a>http:\/\/www.scottishsocialistvoice.net\/2012\/10\/workers-better-off-with-independence\/4054<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span>