I had a sleepless night waking up every few hours to check the polls. I fell asleep around 4 a.m. feeling almost certain that the No vote prevailed. John rose early to check the official count, and we both gave a sigh of relief. Having said that, I have great sympathy for those in the Yes camp who worked so hard trying to make their dream a reality. Mr Salmond fought a good fight and has been most gracious in defeat. Perhaps the Native American in me feels empathy with the great love the Scots feel for their homeland. I believe that in their hearts a great majority of Scots wanted to vote yes... But there were too many unanswered questions. And I like to think that many Scots are British in their bones... their fathers and grandfathers fought and died to preserve the British way of life. As I said last night no matter how it went nothing would ever be the same. The vote was close enough to send a strong message to Westminster. Sweeping promises were made in haste... promises that did more to drive people away than convince them. I was desperately hoping the Union would stand but even so I was disgusted by the trainload of politicians who made an 11th hour dash North and promised the Earth. Did ANYONE believe them? So here we are... I could understand both sides of the debate but in the end the people had their say and democracy worked. Our Queen waited and watched from Balmoral. This evening she made a very rare written statement to her Subjects throughout the United Kingdom. After many months of discussion, debate, and careful thought, we now know the outcome of the Referendum, and it is a result that all of us throughout the United Kingdom will respect. For many in Scotland and elsewhere today, there will be strong feelings and contrasting emotions – among family, friends and neighbours. That, of course, is the nature of the robust democratic tradition we enjoy in this country. But I have no doubt that these emotions will be tempered by an understanding of the feelings of others. Now, as we move forward, we should remember that despite the range of views that have been expressed, we have in common an enduring love of Scotland, which is one of the things that helps to unite us all. Knowing the people of Scotland as I do, I have no doubt that Scots, like others throughout the United Kingdom, are able to express strongly-held opinions before coming together again in a spirit of mutual respect and support, to work constructively for the future of Scotland and indeed all parts of this country. My family and I will do all we can to help and support you in this important task. God Save Our Queen.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 23:07:36 +0000
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