On September 18th this year something extraordinary will happen: for the first and perhaps only time, the people of Scotland will be given the opportunity to make a democratic decision about the Union. A Union that was decided over three hundred years ago by a privileged and arguably corrupt few. Whichever way the vote goes, a statement will be made. A Yes vote commits the people of Scotland to independence, and all of the possibilities that brings. But a No vote is more than a vote for the status quo. A No vote commits the people of Scotland to the Union in a way they have never been before, because they have never had the chance to express their democratic will on it before. That makes September 18th a momentous and terrifying and exciting occasion.
Everyone whom I have spoken to about the referendum, whether they are planning to vote Yes, or No, or are simply undecided, cares deeply about the future of Scotland. Though I desperately want to see a 'Yes' vote returned, I can't force or convince anyone to vote against their own convictions. But, I hope that whatever they put on the ballot paper, on September 18th the people of Scotland will vote for positive, not negative reasons. Because whichever way the vote goes, there will be work to do, and positivity and commitment will make all the difference for the future Scotland that will be unveiled with the results.
Don't vote Yes just because you hate the current policies at Westminster. Vote Yes because you can see an independent Scottish government doing better, achieving more, and improving Scottish lives.
Don't vote No just because you are afraid of what would happen if Scotland left the Union. Vote No because you have hope and vision for what could happen to better all of its participants if Scotland stays in it.
Don't vote Yes because you want Scotland to go it alone. Vote Yes because you want Scotland to be able to take its place amidst a community of nations.
Don't vote No because you think Westminster will give Scotland further devolution if independence doesn't go through. Vote No because you're prepared to fight for that end.
Don't vote Yes because you're angry about the past. Vote Yes because you're inspired by the future.
Don't vote No because you think Scotland is too small and too poor to survive on its own. Vote No because you think Scotland brings something to a Union, and because you believe that Union is more than the sum of its parts.
Don't vote Yes because you think it will be easy. Vote Yes because you're willing to work hard for a future for Scotland as an independent country.
Don't vote No because you think it will be easy. Vote No because you're willing to work hard for a future for Scotland as part of a democratic Union.
Vote Yes. Or vote No. But vote for hope, not fear, for inspiration, not anger, for the future, not the past. It is up to you to decide which of the two options is a vote for positivity.
Everyone whom I have spoken to about the referendum, whether they are planning to vote Yes, or No, or are simply undecided, cares deeply about the future of Scotland. Though I desperately want to see a 'Yes' vote returned, I can't force or convince anyone to vote against their own convictions. But, I hope that whatever they put on the ballot paper, on September 18th the people of Scotland will vote for positive, not negative reasons. Because whichever way the vote goes, there will be work to do, and positivity and commitment will make all the difference for the future Scotland that will be unveiled with the results.
Don't vote Yes just because you hate the current policies at Westminster. Vote Yes because you can see an independent Scottish government doing better, achieving more, and improving Scottish lives.
Don't vote No just because you are afraid of what would happen if Scotland left the Union. Vote No because you have hope and vision for what could happen to better all of its participants if Scotland stays in it.
Don't vote Yes because you want Scotland to go it alone. Vote Yes because you want Scotland to be able to take its place amidst a community of nations.
Don't vote No because you think Westminster will give Scotland further devolution if independence doesn't go through. Vote No because you're prepared to fight for that end.
Don't vote Yes because you're angry about the past. Vote Yes because you're inspired by the future.
Don't vote No because you think Scotland is too small and too poor to survive on its own. Vote No because you think Scotland brings something to a Union, and because you believe that Union is more than the sum of its parts.
Don't vote Yes because you think it will be easy. Vote Yes because you're willing to work hard for a future for Scotland as an independent country.
Don't vote No because you think it will be easy. Vote No because you're willing to work hard for a future for Scotland as part of a democratic Union.
Vote Yes. Or vote No. But vote for hope, not fear, for inspiration, not anger, for the future, not the past. It is up to you to decide which of the two options is a vote for positivity.
DLH.