. David Straiton.
, 7a, Quarry Avenue,
Farndon.
Chester.
CH5.3NT.

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Scotland—A Proud Nation?? Hail Caledonia..

MY REPLY TO Mr.BARLOW

The first thing that struck me with regard to the veracity of your message was your inference that your family
Had historic links to the Scottish clan system. Upon simple application of my search engine, I discovered that
In fact the origin of the surname BARLOW was recorded in the north of England; centred round Cheshire,
Yorkshire & Lancashire. Somewhere along your personal history it is obvious that someone has falsified
This aspect of your education and you has “NAIVELY” accepted their teaching as fact. I intend to deign from
Involvement in your “ETHEREAL” statistical quotations. I use this term because of my belief that any person
Can apply hot air in their statistical analyses and adjust them to fit their own agenda. My intention is to ignore
The somewhat erroneous negativity of your message, and concentrate on the positive future for Scotland, thanks
Mainly to the efforts of the party you so malign the S.N.P.

First I plan to outline a brief period of Scottish history, which is pertinent to the issues you raise in your
Communication.Edinburgh has earned the reputation as the “Athens” of the North; this sobriquet is earned not just
The outstanding architecture of the city centre.In the mid 1800s the city was a gathering place for Intellectuals
From all over Europe, including philosophers, artists and poets and other luminaries. This period was deservedly
Known as “The Scottish Enlightenment”. The obvious connection to Ancient Greece is that the country has
Historical links with the founding of modern Democratic Values. This can be further emphasized by the following
Quote from “VOLTAIRE”:-“We look to Scotland for all ideas of civilization”.
Another quote which characterises the Scots as being a unique Nation of people, this in no way can be construed as Xenophobia; a concept I personally feel is repugnant:-
Froude (English Historian) “No people so few in number have scored so deep a mark in the world’s history as the
Scots have done, no people have a greater right to be proud of their blood”.

For centuries Scotland has been subjected to various methods of inculcation to assimilate them into the cultural
Activities of their neighbours south of the border. The lack of success for this is due to the fierce pride the Scots have
in their heritage.This they express in the antipathy they display toward the English, when they are involved in
sporting activities. Unfortunately during this period of time there has existed a certain small percentage of the
population who have shown willing to betray their country ,largely in the political field, to succumb to the
seduction of “English Gold”; as well as being tempted by personal aggrandisement. These people have used
their political power of persuasion to exert pressure on the majority of Scots that, remaining in the U.K.was the
better choice for their general well being. This situation was exacerbated by the Scottish education system which,
to all intents and purposes, actually “Brain-washed” the pupils into believing they were British rather than Scottish.
Propitiously the S.N.P.Government are aware of this educational fallacy and have undertaken to rectify the
State of affairs at the earliest opportunity. Recently there was an occurrence which illustrated the
“EVOLUTIONAL” change the country has undergone in this past several years, the event involved a multitude of
children lining the streets of Edinburgh; each and every one of them were “Proudly” waving a flag of St.Andrew
In itself this represented a quantum leap in cultural change which is sweeping Scotland, so different from the days
(Not so long ago) when they would have been waving a vastly different standard.

For the purpose of disputing your line of reasoning, lets look at the “Partnership” of the two Nations strictly in a
Business sense. One of the most fundamental criterions towards its success is that the two have a reciprocal
Mutuality of “TRUST”. In the centuries of this “Union” Scotland has never been treated with respectful
Treatment by its heavy handed collaborator down south. An outstanding example of this occurred in 1974
When the incumbent Conservative Government commissioned Gavin McCrone to prepare a report on the
Prospective effect the discovery of oil & gas would have on the future of the U.K.What this said gentleman reported
Proved to be of such magnitude that the decision was taken to ensure that in no way would it be released for public scrutiny, particularly the people north of the border. This incident ranks auspiciously as one of the worst betrayals
Of a “CIVILIZED NATION” in modern times. If you have not read this document, it is readily available on the net,
It may be effective in convincing you that this relationship (which is in its final throes)is not and never has been an
Affiliation of equals.

I would take issue you with your “GLOOMY” prognosis of post Independent Scotland and the International
Scenario. Your premise that we will experience difficulties with the E.U.is fatally flawed. The fact is that we will be
Conducting any negotiations from a position of strength, also, due to the current enigmatic position of the Euro;
The future of this currency is unpredictable. At this moment in time Scotland is ranked the 21st.richest Nation in
The world, relative to the U.N.calculations on G.D.P.This hypothesis will improve dramatically, thanks mainly to the
Country’s “Still Untapped” wealth of oil & gas in the North Sea. Additionally we are “OFFICIALLY” ahead of the
Rest of the world on R.& D.in green technology, including wind and wave power. You mention the the ultimate
Division of the North Sea oil & gas resources. My prediction is that this is an area whereby the two Nations will
Embark on a collision course. The reason for this is the 6,000 sq.miles of “SCOTTISH” which the English
Government “ILLEGALLY” appropriated by passing the Scottish Adjacent Waters Boundaries Order in1999.
It is my understanding that this issue is currently being “HOTLY” debated in the Westminster Scotland Bill.

I would also take you up on your foreboding outlook on the business oriented involved in the final disintegration
Of the U.K.You mention the two Scottish transport companies, in the context of them becoming “Foreign”
Interlopers.Surely you appreciate that we are living in times of “Globilization”or are you just being “NAÏVE”?
The last thing that we should be contemplating is a trade war developing between the two Nations. However if
The people of England decide to proscribe “Scottish Stuff” (as you describe it),we could react by turning off the
Supply of much needed commodities such as Oil, Gas, Electricity & Water. We could also refuse the “Friendly”
Gesture of allowing England to share in the benefits of our future green energy programme. I will reiterate my
Hope that the break-up will be resolved with amicability..

You failed to acknowledge another sore point, in the way Scotland has been treated quite recently.I allude to the
“English Olympic Games” in London 2012.Despite undertakings from the Westminster Government that the final
issue of construction projects, would be adjudged on a fair system of representation of all the four “Home Nations”;
in the final analysis Scottish contractors were awarded “A PITTANCE” of 2% of the total value. Then you have the
controversial circumstances surrounding the lottery funding. At the last estimate recorded on the web, Scottish charities
and other institutions were deprived of a minimum of “ONE HUNDRED MILLION POUNDS” used to provide
investment for the said Olympics.(I WOULD SERIOUSLY URGE ALL SCOTS TO FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE
BY PURCHASING EURO LOTERRY TICKETS INSTEAD OF SUPPORTING THE “ENGLISH”LOTTERY.





Finally I note your comment regarding our Friends from Norway. A simple search of the web will confirm for you
The fact that, for centuries the two Nations have had an excellent relationship. On the subject of Norway,official
Records reveal that they, thanks to their oil riches, have created an emergency fund worth “BILLIONS” of pounds.
A far cry from the position of Scotland, where they have been abused over many decades by “SUBSIDISING” the
Treasury in England. Continuing on the International theme, the creation of Scotland as an Independent Nation;will receive an enthusiastic response from almost every country on the planet. At the present moment leaders of most
Nations are constrained by Diplomatic expediency from disclosing their true sentiments towards our Independence.
This will change dramatically with a genuine expression of congratulatory approval when there is a positive
Referendum result. In reality it is unpalatable fact, if you claim to be English, that people of Scottish descent evoke a more welcoming embrace universally compared with their counterparts south of the border. The latest estimates for
Americans claiming Scottish ancestry is somewhere in the region of “TEN MILLION” this figure represents a massive lobbying power, woe betide any President voicing disapproval in the event of Scotland’s “EMANCIPATION”

I am not one given to pontificating or delivering sermons on The Mount,(or is it The Mound?),nor can I be
Classified in the terms of an idealistic dreamer. This narrative is all about a certitude on my behalf that my country
Is at last on its way to assuming its rightful place in as an Independent Nation in world society. Since that historic day in 2007 when the S.N.P. won a a slender lead to become the Government, the party have gone from strength to overwhelming strength. The vote to return them for a second term took the media by storm, but I humbly believe that
This astounding success was eclipsed by the phenomenal result at the Inverclyde by-election.;where they actually
Reduced the Labour majority by more than 50%.This embodied a double blow for Labour, it was regarded as one
Of their safest seats. More significantly this was a by-election for Westminster; which proved more than anything
That the electorate of Scotland are turning in ever increasing numbers to reject the parties of the Unionists.and
Placing their faith in the S.N.P.the “ONLY” party with the country’s interests at heart.

In summation, in spite of the harsh strictures of the Westminster induced recession, this is a Nation of proven capacity
For resolving problems at home and round the world, brimming with confidence for the future, led by a party who have seized the “Moral Imperative” from the Unionists. What the country is experiencing could be described as a
“POLITICAL RENAISANCE”.
In conclusion my advice to you Mr.Barlow is “To lie on your back and WORRY for England!”.
Meanwhile the anthem we will be singing on the day of judgement(The Referendum) will be :-
“This is the day of the dawning of ENLIGHTENMENT”.












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