Cavey wrote:
I'm starting to feel like I'm intruding on private grief in terms of non nasty nat type, moderate Yes voters (i.e. a sizeable chunk of them). In truth, I believe that a reasonable, very well thought out and run, non-hateful campaign that actually faced economic and other realities (and provided credible, honest answers) could have conceivably - just - borne fruit for them. But the SNP reality, with the various other personalities involved, is just a gaping wide open goal IMO. The ineptitude and naivety is truly breathtaking.
Yes, I continually think that by promising a New Jerusalem the Yes side have exposed far too many holes in their plans. I note that people here, as well as Yes materials and Salmon's opening speech always turn to the chld poverty question. We all want an end to poverty and this is a serious question, but just saying that it can only be done by independence leads us to ask 'how will you pay for it' and 'why can't you work on this within the existing framework'.
As for all the other questions, rather than saying that they'll keep the pound (copyright Billy Hague, 2001), stay in the beloved EU, maintain services at current levels as a minimum, had they just said 'we can't promise anything, but we'll fight for the best deal for Scotland', I would have had more confidence in their views as they would have been frank with the public about the risks. Promising the earth and a smooth transition just builds up expectations that are likely to be cruelly crushed.
The burden of proof in this case is on the Yes camp. Independence is a hell of a change, and one that won't be reversible. I just haven't heard any argument that holds up to scrutiny, despite going through almost every study I can lay my hands on.
To those in Scotland who are already decided: what arguments might make you change your mind?