Independence.
Conjures up visions of bloody struggle and violent revolution. But this isn't Ukraine or Venezuela. The streets don't run red with the blood of people fighting for their lives.
No, this is altogether a much less violent affair. A bunch of middle aged men and women having childish arguments about the future of a nation.
As someone who lives north of the imaginary line in the ground that divides this island, I am frequently asked what I think of the whole deal. How will I vote?
Honestly? I have no idea.
I am fairly anarchist leaning and as a result, I would like power to be moved more towards the individual. Independence would be a step in that direction. Not being governed by a group that allows the Church of England to have a say in folk's lives does appeal to me.
However, ideology is not the best thing to make such a decision on. Can Scotland survive being split from the rest of the UK? Do we have the economic power to make it? Oil won't last forever and the shipyards certainly aren't making boats any time soon.
The Scottish Parliament (Alex Salmond and co) seems to think we can. They have produced a rather weighty book which can be delivered for free for you to have a read. My Dad got a copy and when I had a flick through, it was dripping with fervent nationalism from the first page.
I do know one thing. If Scotland does get independence, it will make my trips to Yorkshire a hassle. The Tories have said they will institute border controls which will undoubtedly make things very difficult. The economic losses from the time taken for lorries to cross the border alone will make life more interesting.
The other issue I have with gaining independence is that the Prime Minister will be Alex Salmond. I really do not want that smug face on TV for months. The man is an arse. His sole platform for years has been "independence will fix everything". OK, maybe a little artistic licence has been taken but you get the point.
I also take issue with allowing those 16 and over to vote on the matter as opposed to the usual 18 or over. I don't know about you but I don't trust 16 year olds to act in a rational matter on this subject. You just know they are gonna broadcast Bravehart the night before the referendum to whip them up and "fight back against the English, innit?" or whatever the current vernacular is.
I still haven't made up my mind. Do I go with the same old garbage from London or do I try the new possible garbage from Edinburgh? Middle road of not voting at all?
I'm interested in what you think of the whole thing. Contact me in the usual places or leave a comment below.
