Going Beyond Theory - The Practical Application of a Scottish State

 Practical application demonstrates how theory is applied. Ifs, buts and maybes are addressed through demonstrating the reality. Where there is uncertainty practical application brings certainty through observation. 

The argument from the "independence" movement is that people just need to be persuaded. Proponents have cited "facts" regarding Scotland, its wealth and its resources. They have theorised about how Scotland can do x,y,z better if circumstances were different, if only Scotland had full control of its governance yet that is where their arguments end. If someone came at you and said they were or could do x,y,z would you automatically believe them? If you disagreed, would you be persuaded otherwise through statement alone? Most folk would ask you to prove it. And for 53% of the Scottish population, that is precisely what they are saying. Put up or shut up. Stop harping on about something you cannot or will not prove. And who can blame them? Theory only gets you so far. Without practical application theory is just empty words. 

But is there a way to put into action those theories? Can something be done to prove what one says is true? Yes, there is. Scotland as a sovereign nation state that entered into an international agreement, witnessed by international observers, can suspend the agreement especially when the terms of the agreement have been fundamentally breached by the other party.

Scotland's government imbued with the sovereignty of the people can suspend the treaty and give it, say, a parliamentary term to prove that Scotland is better governing itself, that financially it can achieve all that it states it can and make the improvements to folks lives. While some things may take time to be fully realised a suspension would provide that. Folk would be given a practical demonstration of Scotland's strengths and weaknesses and whether it is financially viable. The first couple of years Scotland may be financially disadvantaged as the revenues from Scotland currently go directly into the treasury with English governmental departments estimating on a population percentage basis how much revenue Scotland has provided. There are no official hard facts of Scotland's revenues. We do know however that previous reports which did give official figures prior to the 1970s showed Scotland only receiving a fifth of the declared revenues. This same funding style is used today through GERS though Scotland's revenues are not declared but merely estimated and Scotland's natural resources are given as a population percentage and not their true worth. Scotland would therefore use an artificially lower estimated figure rather than what it would later be able to prove beyond a doubt it raises in revenues and resources. 

Furthermore, Scotland would be able to demonstrate how it behaves on the world stage, what security, humanitarian and diplomatic relationships it establishes and nurtures and what weaknesses it has in these areas. After a parliamentary term most folk would know how their lives have been impacted and whether it has been for the betterment of Scotland or not. 

Scotland has stagnated ever since 2014 and its referendum. There has been no change as no practical application has ever been carried out in the years since the vote took place despite having a pro-independence government and administration in office.People are not being persuaded by empty words. They will be persuaded one way or the other through practical application. So to the independence movement, I say to you, demand the suspension of the treaty. Demand your government imbued with your sovereignty proves Scotland is better governing itself.   

#suspendthetreaty