Patriots vote No
I am an Englishman who has lived in Scotland for 30 of my 50 years of adult life. I am now
retired and I want to go on
living here, but the confusion between patriotism and nationalism horrifies and frightens me.
I have heard people justify a Yes with “You don’t understand: I am Scottish.” That comes perilously close to racism and has nothing to do with the important decision which residents of Scotland (yes, I have posted my No vote) have to make.
Pride in Scotland the nation, which I respect and enjoy, does not require bailing out from the UK, to the dangerous detriment of both sides. In an uncertain, volatile world, narrow nationalism is an unjustifiable indulgence. Patriots should vote No.
Robert Stephens
Morningside Park