I’m half English, half Scottish, despite the history, it seems odd to want to push apart two nations. I am aware however, of how little it would really affect me. I’m also aware of Mr Giffords advice/warning of people (me in this case) who dish out their political views, and how those people are rarely interested in hearing anyone elses. I hope thats not the case for me here.

Independence is as much about having the power to create stronger bonds with a wider community of nations, as it is about breaking free from our existing situation.

Unfortunately the Breavehearts put so much effort into pulling on the emotional heartstrings to imply we’re a downtrodden nation that can only achieve greatness if finally free from our English overlords. Although this is ridiculous, it is a prevalent outlook that may require independence to eradicate.

Pragmatically though, if we can attract lots of new students by refusing to charge for further education, is it not foreseeable that if we had the power to reduce corporation tax in Scotland that we’d see a similar, although more profitable, influx of industry?

The world would be a better place if we all recognised that we are inter-dependant on one another to make considered, intelligent and caring decisions on our future development as a species.

In-dependence is a nonsense. It’s a false reality. From where I stand now, it’s not the answer to our own parochial condition.

Recognition as a valued contributor to a global society needs confidence, innovation and action. Will independence suddenly afford the people of Scotland that luxury?

Shouldn’t we just get better at marketing the positive contributions we make as a small, but equally important part of a global community?

The good news is most Americans don’t actually know that Scotland is part of the United Kingdom (or really that the UK is not just England) so it won’t take much adjusting on this side of the water.