Many Scots say it is much easier to say 'yes' during the September 18 referendum. But facing uncertainties of the outcome, the Scotland vote gave its verdict with a NO. As there is nothing to lose but more to gain in terms of the promised greater autonomy on taxes, welfare and spending, half of the Scottish voters preferred the status quo. Scotland sticks with Great Britain and Wales.
More than anyone else, the outcome of the decision was a big sigh of relief for British Prime Minister Tony Cameron as he would be the first fatality had Scotland independence prevailed. Either he resigns and steps down from office or will face forced eviction. Even Labor leader Ed Milliband.
On the other camp, the home city of Scottish nationalist First Prime Minister Alex Salmond, Aberdeen, gave 59% in favor of No to 41% Yes. Salmond may have dreamed seeing Scotland like a bird flapping its wing to liberation from UK but like everyone else, he has to move on. Salmond fully exercised his democratic rights to freedom of expression during the campaign but in the next days, he will initiate reconciliatory action against those he bashed to assure support on the outcome of the decision and to signify working for the whole team UK.
Says Salmond, "The unionist made vows late in the campaign to devolve more powers to Scotland..Scotland will expect these to be honoured in rapid course -- as a reminder, we have been promised second reading of a Scotland Bill by March 27 next year...Not just the 1.6 million Scots who voted for independence will demand that time table is followed, but all the Scots who participated in this referendum will demand that time table will be followed."
The catch for the NO-greater autonomy on taxation, welfare and spending, was explained by James Dale in an article on BBC news. In taxation for example, the Scots could "set income tax rates and bands, with just the tax-free personal allowance decided by Westminster."
Better to stay put then and be together, Scots, says UK. After all, the world wants the union-Scotland, England and Wales-- intact.
