Monday, September 22, 2014

United Kingdom


I am glad that Scotland voted to remain in the UK family. Being and American I don’t pretend to understand what the whole vote embraced but I feel certain that working together in a unified family of nations is more productive than going their separate ways.

I understand each nation must be firm in its identity. I was unaware that there were tensions in the UK over such identity, especially for Scotland.  For that I am sad.

The vote stirred quite a ruckus. People talked about the issues and emotions of dissolving the union. That will prove to be advantageous, I think. The vote may be over but the dialog must continue.

Scottish national identity needs some work.  They must ask themselves who they are and what makes them uniquely Scot. Also, they need to work on the long term vision of their nation – 20 years from now how will Scotland be viewed? How do they want it to be viewed?

Scotland has a long and proud history. That history has led to the present day. How well is Scotland today? How would Scots describe their present day situation?  Does that beg for changes to launch a strong and alluring future?  What should that future be?  How do they make that happen?

Struggling with these discussions is hard enough for a small organization or business firm. For a whole nation to engage such a process is complexity magnified!  Daunting really. But still necessary.  America would do well to do this, too!

A healthy analysis will lead to a broader understanding among all Scots. From that vantage point all sorts of good things are possible. Collaboration and cooperation among a diverse national population is needed for true progress to result.

It won’t be easy but it is inescapable.  Each citizen needs to engage the process and conversation. They will need to feel a part of the process for it to be successful.

I wish them the best of outcomes. It will lead to a strong and fruitful future for the nation.

The rest of the global community will be watching as well. All nations need to pay attention to their own people, their dreams and hopes. Governing is about the common weal of the people. Without that there is no national identity. Or spirit.


September 22, 2014

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