Democracy Users in the Pub

[danieldwilliam]

I was as the first regular monthly meeting this year of the Edinburgh reform group last night.

It was good to see folk again. I’ve not been able to make the last few meetings.

I think we’ve come up with a plan for how to organise the group so that it’s forward facing and enjoyable and social and provides a support structure for people who want to be more or less active in the Reform movement.

As usual lots of interesting chat.  I got to try out what I think if going to be my favourite question of the referendum.

What are the issues that you will most important when making your decision about how to vote? What aspect of society would independence or the retention of the Union have to have a really positive affect on to sway your vote?

A couple of the answers really got me thinking.

First up – not a lot, independence won’t make much of a difference.

What if that’s true and we spend a lot of effort thinking about how different systems of government and conclude that fundamentally this question doesn’t make much difference.  That’s a bit of a worry for politicians on both sides of the question.

Secondly – what to do with the Scottish diaspora?  Which system of government would be most welcoming of the many people who consider themselves to have some Scottish connection.

Not before the referendum as a discussion on the franchise but afterwards. How do we encourage people to return? Do we want them to return? Do they have a right to return?

Feeling quite buoyed up by it all.

Comments

[andrewducker]

Well, it would push housing prices up :->

I doubt it will happen either. Unless an independent Scotland is stonkingly successful I can't see it being a beacon for ex-pats.

[danieldwilliam.livejournal.com]

The effect on house prices would be enough to pump and dump the economy just on its own.

If I were a Lex Luther type I might just try it.

I think we might see a few "return" mainly Scots living in England but I think, people have jobs and families and "home" is only a short train ride away.

[andrewducker]

I think you're more likely to attract immigrants. I don't see much likelihood of people caring which country they live in unless big differences evolve in healthcare, education, etc.

[danieldwilliam.livejournal.com]

Beyond a few people who are inspired by the razzamazz to move home I think you are correct.

No rush at least, pehaps a trickle in either direction as differences emerge between the two countries.